Tjanpi Raffia Natural 1kg

Tjanpi Raffia Natural is a premium quality, long-fibre natural raffia sourced from raffia palm trees grown in the tropical regions and wet soils of Madagascar. The raffia is harvested sustainably between June and October each year — a deliberately limited season that allows the palm branches to fully regrow before the next harvest begins. Collectors hand-strip and sun-dry freshly cut pale green strands deep in the island, which dry to the warm, natural beige tone that makes this raffia so beautiful and appealing to little learners.

The natural fibre is wonderfully soft and pliable, making it comfortable and easy for young ones to handle, twist, weave and manipulate. Despite its softness, Tjanpi Raffia Natural is strong and durable, holding together well during creative construction and weaving activities. It is also fully biodegradable, making it a responsible and sustainable natural material that connects children to the natural world through hands-on sensory exploration.

Little learners can use this raffia for a wide range of creative and sensory activities including simple weaving, wrapping, bundling, threading and collage. The natural texture and warm colour of the fibre invites tactile exploration and supports sensory development, while weaving and construction activities build fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination and early mathematical thinking through pattern and repetition.

A percentage of all Tjanpi Raffia sales supports Tjanpi Desert Weavers and the NPY Women's Council, organisations that support Aboriginal women artists across the APY Lands and Western Desert communities of Australia. Purchasing this product contributes directly to this meaningful partnership and the continuation of important cultural weaving and art practice.

Tjanpi Raffia Natural can be used for simple hand weaving, wrapping and threading activities, as well as basket and mat construction for more structured projects. Raffia can be dyed using fabric dye prior to use to introduce colour, or used in its natural state for a beautifully earthy, organic aesthetic.

It works wonderfully as a sensory material in nature-inspired play trays and loose parts play, and can be used in mixed media artwork as a textural element. Raffia is also ideal for tying and bundling in floral and decorative craft arrangements.