The Madagascar Mohair Rug embodies a rare artisanal craftsmanship rooted in an isolated and arid region in the southwest of the Big Island, around Ampanihy. The weavers of this locality have long produced a luxury item, handmade, recognized for its softness, durability, and aesthetic value. Today, the raw material, derived from the Angora goat introduced from South Africa and South America, is in short supply, causing the sector to almost disappear. However, this product allowed the inhabitants of Ampanihy to meet their needs by ensuring stable and sustainable local economic growth.
The Madagascar Mohair Rug deserves sustained attention, not only for its history, manufacturing processes, and qualities but also for the concrete challenges posed by the scarcity of the Angora goat, the absence of a reintroduction program led by the Ministry of Livestock, and the need for genetic improvement.
History of the Madagascar Mohair Rug
The early days of the Madagascar Mohair Rug date back to the 1950s and 1960s in Ampanihy, where Mohair Houses thrived. At that time, artisans crafted a typical rug in the same way that the Persian rug embodies a symbol for Iranians. Malagasy weavers selected Angora goat wool, introduced from South Africa and South America, and used it not for clothing or skiing equipment in cold countries like elsewhere but for the handmade creation of this rug.
The Madagascar Mohair Rug enjoyed a golden age, and producing one square meter required a full month of diligent work without the use of machines. This prosperous era, supported by structures like La Maison Mohair, did not last, and the sector gradually entered a phase of decline during the 1970s and 1980s, before regaining some momentum in the 1990s and 2000s.
Geographical Anchoring
The Madagascar Mohair Rug is deeply rooted in the Ampanihy region, a locality situated in the southwest of the island, bordering the Mahafaly and Antandroy regions. This small town, renowned for its arid climate, is located over 1,000 km from Antananarivo, far from urban centers and modern transportation infrastructure. The weavers work under difficult conditions, without decent sanitary services, and endure frequent droughts. Nevertheless, they find the necessary motivation to perpetuate this craftsmanship.
Over time, other localities such as Ampefiloha or the gendarmerie camp in Sanfily Toliara have attempted to produce rugs but have not matched the original quality. Thus, the Madagascar Mohair Rug remains linked to its terroir, Ampanihy, where the artisanal fiber is passed down from mother to daughter, and where Angora goat wool once allowed for recognized local production.
Characteristics of Angora Goats
The Madagascar Mohair Rug depends on the quality of the Angora goat, an animal introduced to the Big Island from South Africa and South America. This breed provides silky, lightweight wool, without heavy or incongruous hairs, ideal for creating a luxury rug. The goats must be sheared biannually, and their kidding intervals range between six and eight months. One Angora goat costs about 150 euros, and a hundred heads would be sufficient to revive the sector.
However, for the past decade, the lack of availability of this wool has been acutely felt. The Angora goat is disappearing from Ampanihy, replaced by crossbred breeds whose fleece lacks quality. Consequently, the Madagascar Mohair Rug suffers the consequences of this problem, and artisans struggle to obtain satisfactory wool.
Artisanal Techniques for Manufacturing the Madagascar Mohair Rug
Artisans produce the Mohair Rug through entirely manual knotting. They tie approximately 70,000 knots per square meter, which requires a full month of work to complete a single piece. Each rug is distinguished by exceptional quality, a pile height of about 13 mm, notable softness, and durability.
The dyes, entirely plant-based, come from endemic plants collected in the bush. Artisans select leaves, barks, and roots to extract natural pigments. They boil the fibers in large pots, without any chemical additives, then dry them before rolling and braiding them. The result is a unique product, each rug seeming to bear the signature of its creator.
The Role of Plant-Based Dyes in the Mohair Rug
Plant-based dyes symbolize the authenticity of the Mohair Rug. Artisans extract colors from local, endemic plants collected in the bush around Ampanihy. These natural hues express Antandroy and Mahafaly culture, inspiring unique patterns, sometimes hidden in the rug’s reflections, sheen, and light. The volumes and perspectives achieved result from extensive research and experimentation.
Weavers must tirelessly test new colors, considering the seasons, as pigments vary according to the availability of plants. Rugs produced in the 1950s or 1960s thus presented a strong identity that persisted into the early 2000s. Each Madagascar Mohair Rug remains a work of art, a reflection of the terroir and tradition.
Cleaning the Madagascar Mohair Rug
The Madagascar Mohair Rug requires careful maintenance to preserve its softness, shine, and delicate patterns. The inhabitants of Ampanihy have developed simple and effective methods to care for these unique pieces. They use gentle brushing and avoid harsh products.
Applying a meticulous process is essential. Cleaning mohair rugs, like washing wool rugs, takes time, requiring a gentle and controlled approach. The local arid environment necessitates protecting the rug from dust. Artisans recommend avoiding moisture and ensuring that the process does not damage either the wool or the plant-based dyes.
Difficulties in Sourcing Wool for the Madagascar Mohair Rug
For over ten years, Ampanihy weavers have faced significant difficulties in obtaining the Angora goat wool essential for the Madagascar Mohair Rug. Crossbreeding of goat breeds is causing the gradual disappearance of Angora, and the supply of quality raw material is decreasing.
Some artisans import wool from other regions or even other countries. Others settle for lower quality wool obtained from local goats. This leads to a decrease in the rug’s market value.
Weavers are struggling to adapt, but the resulting pieces become heavy, incongruous, sometimes allergenic, and no longer offer the smooth appearance that is highly sought after. The product of yesteryear is becoming scarce, placing the Madagascar Mohair Rug in a precarious situation.
Attempts to Revitalize the Mohair Rug in Madagascar
Some stakeholders encourage the introduction of Angora goats from South Africa, genetic improvement, and the creation of an integrated chain. Breeders should adhere to biannual shearing, kidding intervals, and assume a complete role, from breeding to commercialization, including weaving. This mini-industry would find an unsaturated market both nationally and internationally.
Associations, such as the Vehivavy Atsimo Miasa (VAM) association in Ampanihy, highlight the positive impact of this rug on the local economy. The Madagascar Mohair Rug could thus become a flagship of craftsmanship again, while providing a stable income to hundreds of people.
Cultural Importance of the Mohair Rug in Madagascar
The Madagascar Mohair Rug embodies more than just a decorative object. It represents a cultural heritage deeply rooted in the terroir of Ampanihy, in the Atsimo Andrefana region, and reflects the creativity of female weavers. The transmission of craftsmanship from mother to daughter, the use of plant-based dyes from endemic flora, the patterns inspired by Antandroy and Mahafaly culture, reinforce this identity. This rug joins the major symbols of national craftsmanship.
Exhibitions, such as the one held at the Is’art gallery in Ampasanimalo, testify to its past prestige and international renown. Art enthusiasts appreciate it as a unique work, the result of a collaboration between local tradition and external influences.