Raffia

What is Raffia?

An African tree related to the palm. Raffia’s pale colored leaf fibers are supple and smooth yet very durable. Exquisite international designs of raffia hats, bags, shades, mats and accessories are traditional uses for raffia.

VARIATIONS IN WEAVE, COLOR & SIZE

Our 100% natural raffia area rugs are 100% hand made. All of the fibers and twines used in weaving are hand spun from natural vegetable fibers harvested throughout various seasons. Variations in fiber size, weave, fiber color, fiber shade and overall rug size are all characteristics of our hand woven raffia area rugs. Area Rug Sizes May Vary Up To 2% (slight shrinkage can occasionally occur, while expansion rarely occurs).

CUSTOM SIZES

All of our raffia area rugs are custom woven to order. Allow 14-16 weeks for delivery of custom sized rugs (inquire for delivery date per order). All of our loom woven designs can be made in widths up to 20’. Our medieval matting paneled designs can be made up to any width. Length weaving capabilities are indefinite. Our raffia area rugs are not offered as, or implied to be wall to wall products. No instructions or recommendations are available for cutting or installing our hand woven rugs.

IRREGULARITIES

Natural fibers, by definition,, may not be entirely regular and small knots or lumps may occasionally occur. Areas where fiber lengths are joined can occasionally fray. These frayed fibers can usually be trimmed with a sharp pair of scissors, but it is critical not to sever a weft or warp yarn as this may harm the overall strength of the weave. Knots are often used to end warps and must not be cut. On many of our designs, warp knots can be tucked away and made near invisible, however, customer must specifically request this at an extra charge and prolonged delivery time.

FADING

Consistent exposure to direct sunlight will naturally and subtly change the shade of the natural raffia. Many find this a very elegant natural look. Dyed raffia fibers fade slowly in direct sunlight, and very slowly in non-direct sunlight.

REVERSIBLE

Most of our rugs are used as reversible products. However, it must be noted that the weavers always consider the top to be the best side, making any necessary mends and joints on the underside. Patterns and weaves often vary from top to underside. Preferences in top sides may be requested (i.e.: if the underside pattern is to be woven as the top).

HUMID CLIMATES

raffia are tropical fibers and acclimate very well in humid climates. Do not store rugs rolled up in plastic, as mold can form (this can usually be brushed off). Excessive dampness can cause slight expansion of the rug.

ARID CLIMATES

raffia contain natural levels of moisture, however, in excessively dry climates or near heating outlets the fibers can tend to become dryer than normal. This can be successfully cured by lightly and evenly spraying a fine mist of water from a plant spray misting bottle on to clean freshly vacuumed rugs. Do Not Saturate The Rugs At All! A fine even mist applied weekly or as needed can work wonders. Extreme dryness can cause slight shrinkage of the rug.

CURLING RUG CORNERS & CURL MARKS

It is not unusual for a new abaca or raffia rug to curl a little in the corners or for our paneled matting weaves to have curl marks upon immediate unwrapping and unrolling. This is usually relaxed within several days of acclimation to the rug’s new environment. Books, heavy objects or double-faced tape will hold the corners down while it is relaxing. Or, turn the rug on to the opposite side against the curl, and leave it on that side for a few days or a week.