Gasy Rug: Sisal rugs made in Madagascar

Gasy Rug, the sisal braided rugs from Madagascar, has achieved international acclaim. These rugs have been admired at exhibitions abroad and are considered luxury products in their home country, adorning chic and elegant interiors.

The story behind Gasy Rug: A meeting of sisal rugs and a passionate designer

The idea for Gasy Rug originated with designer Pascale Vétois when her husband asked for ideas for rugs in Bosnia. Her thoughts turned to women’s associations in Toamasina that crafted sisal rugs. She recognized the potential of these women’s skills and the transformation possible with her design touch. Partnering with these Tamataviennes and their "fairy hands," she began creating innovative sisal braided rugs. Pascale trained braiders and weavers to develop a unique and original artisanal style.  

It took courage, patience, and perseverance to establish the business and earn recognition for the work of the artisans and the designer. To understand the effort involved: crafting a 2-meter-diameter rug requires two months of work—one month to braid 1.2 kilometers of sisal and another month to assemble the finished product.  

Artistic and Eco-Friendly Rugs

Gasy Rug sources its raw materials from SIFOR, a company near Fort Dauphin in southern Madagascar, which provides Grade 3L sisal—the highest quality available. The sisal is braided, dyed, and sewn entirely by hand using raffia.  

This ancient braiding technique is unique to Madagascar. The dyes are environmentally friendly, and the stitching is durable and biodegradable. Each rug is a masterpiece—unique, numbered, and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity. Owning one of these rugs is akin to owning a work of art.  

The rounded shapes are a signature feature of these coveted creations. The designs include themes such as Mandala (meaning "circle" in Sanskrit) for a zen style, Bulles for modern decor, and Nerf for nature lovers. These rugs enhance floors and parquet, but some people use them as headboards or hang them as wall art.  

Admiring one of these masterpieces is an experience not to be missed during your stay in Madagascar.

A Socially Responsible Enterprise

Gasy Rug is also a socially conscious business, creating jobs for women in Toamasina. These women not only receive training and employment to meet their needs but also contribute to preserving a uniquely Malagasy ancestral craft. Sisal braiding is practiced nowhere else in the world !  

Today, Pascale Vétois continues her Gasy Rug adventure, even after her husband’s passing in 2017. She does so out of love for what they accomplished together, for art, and for the talented women artisans who are partners in this success story.