For the making of Art nr 2525 Chapeau Haravola,  only mountain grass (and a thin string for finishing the edge of the brim) is needed. 

Step 1) "Haravola" is an extraordinary tough type of grass. It is so tough that it is not suitable as feeding for the cattle-- but rather as an material for making sturdy crafts. The grass is wild growing and very common around the village Behenjy. It is harvested by hand.

Step 2) The grass is dried  in the sun, then plaited.

For the making of Art nr 21141 Basket XGM plaited squares green half of the mountain grass used is dyed so to get a darker green. The dyes used are certified Öko-Tex. Sundried raffia palmleaves have been folded around the edge of every bunch of mountain grass when plaiting. This in order to give contrast in the pattern. The soft, naturewhite raffia palmleaves have also been used for trimmings at the top and the bottom of the basket. This makes the basket more comfortable to carry, stronger ..and more beautiful. 
The handles are made of ecologically tanned leather (tanning is done with lime and chopped Mimosa leaves). To increase strength, the leather in the handles is doubled and fixed with 4 rivets on each side.
Art nr 2114 (pictures to the left) are made by the same artisans and in the same materials--but in other colours and only in the largest size.

Art nr 2114 Basket XGM Plaited squares Leather handles. H=35cm Colours: Nature green Haravola with raffia coloured navyblue (picture), caramel, khaki or naturewhite raffia palmleaves.

Step 2) Erana is manually harvested

Isatra grows in the same region and is harvested in the same way as Erana. However, this is a reed of a very different quality. Isatra is split, coloured and plaited. The finer split, the finer pattern. The inside of the basket or bag is made of more simple, plain reeds.
The women in Ambatondrazaka are rice-farmers--but between planting, weeding and harvesting, they are skilled basket makers.
Since many years back, they  cooperates with La Maison Afrique FAIR TRADE. The different types of basketry here are examples of the products they deliver.