This RocApply guide helps you figure some of the shopping in Madagascar! Handicrafts include textiles such as traditional sarong-like cloths in various designs worn by women in a number of different ways, including as a sling for carrying their babies and silk scarves, mostly made from the rough silk of an endemic silkworm rather than the smooth silk more typically found abroad. Crocheted and embroidered table cloths are typical textiles found almost everywhere on the island.
Markets here offer good quality cotton t-shirts printed with Malagasy designs and slogans are found everywhere. The country commands one of the best selection of arts, crafts, curio shops and markets. In Malagasy towns you will find everything from drums and wooden carvings to sandals, baskets and jewellery. Wooden items are popular, either carved or with marquetry, including chessboards and boxes. The main centre for woodwork is Ambositra found south of the capital. Wooden musical instruments include djembe drums and the Malagasy tube zither.
Most wooden handicrafts are crafted from palisander, rosewood or ebony, all precious slow-growing hardwoods being logged from the forests at an alarming rate, so there is an ethical issue with buying carved souvenirs. The island offers a wide range of items to shop for, many of them intricately carved, woven or crafted out of whole host of different materials. Parts of Madagascar are well-known for skill and artistry of their craftsmen. The Zafimaniry peoples of the province of Fianarantsoa are for example traditional wood craftsmen whose skill has been relayed down for generations.
Jewellery here includes silver bracelets and items made from zebu horn and precious stones. Polished specimens of semi-precious minerals come in endless variety, betraying the island’s fascinating and diverse geology. Toy cars and handmade from recycled tins make for a particularly novel and colourful rewards. They can be found on markets in the capital. Other souvenirs include items woven from reeds, raffia, sisal and straw including hats, bags and ornamental animals. Antaimoro paper, decorated with embedded dried flowers, is sold as sheets, notebooks, bookmarks, and even crafted into picture frames, purses and lampshades.
For those who prefer edible souvenirs, you’ll be offered vanilla pods, peppercorns, cinnamon sticks, cloves and other spices- there is locally produced chocolate too. The country also offers wine although the quality is mostly rather mediocre. Haggling is expected on markets, but less so in shops. Shopping hours usually ranger between 8 am to 5 pm during weekdays!
RocApply Tips:
- As with other facets of life in Madagascar, food, and grocery are also sold in their local currency, so ensure to make all the necessary conversions and move around with a little local cash on you. Many of the establishments only accept the USD.
- As a newcomer, some of the names of the items might confuse you, please use any online translator services to check the correct French word for whatever you are searching for.
- Always ask for help or directions from fellow students and if you can't find any around you then ask even the locals they are always happy to assist foreigners and visitors.
"I enjoy shopping and I found it affordable but some of the clothes are definitely not of the highest quality." - Hassan from Turkey
