Introduction

Despite the intrusion of Western culture, when we think of the word ‘Lamba’, we immediately think of traditional Malagasy customs. Indeed, it is a word that resonates with all Malagasy people as the foundation of their social identities. From life to death, in all ethnic cultures, the lamba is above all a clothing accessory for covering the body. For the living, it is used as clothing during the day and as a blanket in the evening. For the dead, it is the shroud that accompanies them to the world of the ancestors.

Meaning of Lamba 

In the ordinary sense of the word, it is a cloth, textile or even fabric, but in Madagascar, the lamba has a very specific meaning: it is an iconic object that accompanies the individual from birth to death. Newborns are covered in a white lamba to face the sun and protect them from outside danger. More specifically, the lamba is worn differently depending on the circumstances (times of joy or sadness). When it is worn over the shoulders, a piece of cloth is thrown back on the left side to express cheerfulness. But when this piece of cloth is thrown back on the right side, it probably means that the person is in mourning.

How Lamba is Made and Used

Traditionally woven by hand from cotton, silk or raffia, the lamba adorns the shoulders of the Merina and Sakalava (in the highlands and north of Madagascar), is sometimes wrapped around the hips of Bara men (in the south of the country) and drapes the body of certain ethnic groups (such as the Betsileo, who live in the southern highlands of Madagascar). Secondly, the use of the word ‘lamba’ has become commonplace in the Malagasy language. On the one hand, it is the generic term used to designate all textile products, even those from outside the country (T-shirts, curtains, sheets, etc.). And on the other hand, it is also very present in Malagasy expressions and proverbs, which metaphorically illustrate the love and solidarity between Malagasy people.

The Famous Lambahoany

This is a top-quality fabric, which over time has come to be known as lambahoany. It is a colourful rectangular fabric with many designs and a written message (a message of wisdom and love, etc.). But its use differs according to culture and time. On the one hand, in coastal regions lambahoany is used as clothing to cover the body. It is tied under the armpits (for women) or around the waist (for men) to replace everyday clothes. On the other hand, in the central highlands, the lambahoany has a much more ritualistic aspect, i.e. a lamaboany is worn to pay homage to the ancestors. Nowadays, the lambahoany can be used in other ways, becoming an ornamental object for the home, such as wall carpets or tablecloths, etc.

Conclusion 

In days gone by, our ancestors were very diligent and conscientious about using lamba. The idea was undoubtedly to remain faithful to Malagasy culture. But from yesterday to today, time changes and other cultures become entangled with ours. So, the lamba’s destiny is constantly changing from sacred to desecrated. Because with Western fashion, nothing is as it used to be.

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