About
Although an island, Madagascar has never been isolated. Situated in the Indian Ocean, at the crossroads of trade networks, its people have long had close ties to Asia, Africa, and Europe. Nowhere is this more visible than in their vibrant textile arts, which continually incorporate new fibres, dyes, and decoration. Traders from Indonesia settled the island from 300CE. They brought with them textile styles, colours, and techniques that are recognizably Southeast Asian.
To discover the silks of Highland Madagascar, visit the Born of the Indian Ocean online digital experience on Google Arts & Culture.