African Silk - Canvas

It should be noted that African silk comes from either wild or domesticated moths. Both types are found in Madagascar.

Wild landibé silkmoths produce silk that is naturally earth-toned, strong, and rough-textured compared to that from domesticated mulberry or “China” silkmoths, which is lustrous, smooth and easy to dye.  (Mulberry silkmoths were introduced to Madagascar in the early 19th century from China and feed on white mulberry leaves.)  Wild silkmoths belonging to the Anaphe and Epanaphe genera are indigenous to Nigeria where they have not been domesticated. Hunters find the cocoons in the forest and sell them to the textile specialists. The silk produced from these silkmoths is heavier than China silk and tends to be dull and textured like homespun cotton. Like China silk, all African silks are significant and prestigious because their acquisition is historically beyond the means of ordinary people.