Madagascar, Tanana, 'Fiainana' Life Runner

The 'Fiainana' Life Runner is handwoven in raffia, rooted in the Betsimisaraka weaving tradition of Madagascar. Its pattern represents the connection between lives, while rich dark and blue-grey tones are created by immersing the raffia threads in natural dye baths for varying lengths of time. The dye is derived from the leaves of the Harungana ‘dragon’s blood’ tree, with invasive plants used as an energy source for the dyeing process.

The raffia is sourced directly from local farmers who sustainably prune the palms and contribute to the restoration of native raffia and Harungana trees in rainforest-bordering landscapes. For the Selvedge collection, the fringe is hand-threaded back into the raffia cloth to create a smooth edge, a process that takes one artisan a full day. Made to order, each runner carries subtle variations in colour, texture and pattern, reflecting the natural materials and hands involved in its making.

Dimensions: 36 × 182 cm
Materials: Raffia (Raphia farinifera), naturally dyed with leaf dye from the Harungana ‘dragon’s blood’ tree (Harungana madagascariensis)
Production time: Ready to be dispatched within 10 weeks.