👇WHAT ARE THESE BAGS MADE OF?
These beautiful unique bags are made from Raffia material (plain colour) plus African wax print fabric (mixed print fabric).
What is Raffia?
Raffia is a straw-like material that is gained from a palm tree. Its origin is Madagascar, but over the years raffia palm trees can be found in other parts of Eastern Africa. This type of 🌴 palm trees have a short trunk and the leaves are huge in comparison to most palm trees.
💡The raffia palm tree holds the largest leaves of all plants on planet earth: 25 meters long and 3 meters and it's fruit has a shiny brown colour.
Local collectors cut the raffia palm tree’s leaves vertically and dry them up to create the Raffia fibre. They turn into strands and the green colour of the fresh raffia palm leaves turns into beige raffia strings.
💡Raffia is also sustainably harvested which means that the plant isn’t harmed during harvesting and can continue to grow and produce. The locals harvest the raffia palm tree only during the months from June to October each year, which allows the branches and leaves to regrow before the next year and the next harvest season. This is in fact controlled by strict government laws.
Raffia is very soft and beautiful to touch and wear. It is pliable, strong and extremely durable, and it can be dyed easily. The raffia fiber is a very popular material in crafts and in high fashion. ❤
⭐It is 💯% natural and therefore biodegradable. As a natural fibre, Raffia is pliable, strong and extremely durable.
IS RAFFIA WATERPROOF?
Raffia has a natural resistance to water but raffia itself is not a waterproof fibre. If raffia becomes water soaked it will lose a considerable amount of body. Caring for your raffia is simple but crucial to ensure the longevity of your raffia accessory. Check out our accessories made from raffia here.