One of a pair of shawls (Lamba Landy Fotsy)

1900s

Africa, East Africa, Madagascar

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Medium

Silk (Bombyx mori and Borocera cajani)

Measurements

Part 2: 61 x 213 cm (24 x 83 7/8 in.)

Credit Line

Sundry Art - African Art Fund and Textile Fund 2025.273.2

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Location

Not on view

Did You Know?

Invented in the mid-1800s, shawls like this were popular until about 2000.

Description

A lamba is an untailored textile worn by all ages, classes, and genders across much of Madagascar. This is an example of a woman’s garment made after Queen Ranavalona II made Christianity the state religion of the Merina Kingdom. Soon after, all-white lamba became popular for both Sunday church and daily wear. Fotsy is white in the Malagasy language. Indicating its owner’s worldliness, the white-on-white patterns alluded to fashionable imported textiles with damask patterns.