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. <em>Fotsy</em> is white in the Malagasy language. Indicating its owner’s worldliness, the white-on-white patterns alluded to fashionable imported textiles with damask patterns.

Two vertical cream silk panels laid out side-by-side feature repeating white patterns in a grid. Motifs alternate between stacked rectangular blocks with zigzag lines and fanning, leaflike shapes. Both strips are finished at the top and bottom with long, knotted fringes. The pattern is created by dense white silk weaving on the cream background, giving the textile a subtle, textured appearance across its length.

French Indian Ocean family (Madagascar, Réunion, or Mauritius)

The Cleveland Museum of Art

Pair of shawls (Lamba Landy Fotsy)

Africa, East Africa, Madagascar

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