Gasy Rug or braided sisal rugs from Madagascar have gained international acclaim. These carpets have been seen and admired at exhibitions worldwide. In their homeland, they are considered luxury items that enhance sophisticated and elegant interiors!

Where Sisal Rugs Meet a Passionate Designer

The Gasy Rug concept was born from designer Pascale Vétois when her husband asked her for ideas on Bosnian rugs one day. Her thoughts turned to women's associations in Toamasina who were crafting sisal rugs. She recognized the potential of these women and imagined what could be achieved if she brought her style—her design touch—to their rugs. She partnered with these gifted artisans from Toamasina to create innovative braided sisal carpets. She trained weavers and tapestry makers to develop a unique and original craft style. It took courage, patience, and perseverance to establish this enterprise and ensure that the work of the artisans and designer would be recognized. It's worth noting that crafting a 2-meter diameter rug requires 2 months of work: one month to braid 1.2 kilometers of braided strips and another month to assemble the piece.

Artistic and Eco-Conscious Rugs

Gasy Rug sources its raw materials from SIFOR, a company based near Fort-Dauphin in southern Madagascar, supplying premium "Grade 3L" sisal—the finest available! This sisal is hand-braided, dyed, and hand-sewn together. The braiding technique is ancestral and unique to Madagascar; the dyeing respects the environment; and the stitching uses raffia. The result is extremely durable and biodegradable!

Each rug is unique, numbered, and comes with a certificate of authenticity. Acquiring one of these carpets is like owning a work of art. The rounded shapes characterize these coveted pieces that fascinate those lucky enough to see them in person. The designs are varied, notably Mandala (meaning "circle" in Sanskrit) for a zen aesthetic, Bubbles for modern décor, and Vein for nature lovers. All these forms enhance your home's floors and hardwood, though some choose to use them as a bed headboard or simply as a wall-mounted artwork. Witnessing such craftsmanship is a must during your stay in Madagascar.

A Solidarity-Driven Enterprise

Gasy Rug is also a solidarity-driven enterprise that creates employment for the women of Toamasina. These artisans are not only trained and earn a living that meets their needs, but they also participate in preserving ancestral know-how that is uniquely Malagasy. Sisal braiding is practiced nowhere else in the world! Today, Pascale Vétois continues her Gasy Rug venture even after the loss of her husband in 2017. She does it for the love of what they accomplished together, for the art, and for the women artisans who are partners in this success.