Ambositra and the art of Idom Marquetry

Visiting Ambositra for its marquetry

Travelers visiting Ambositra can explore the intricate craft of marquetry at the Idom Art workshops, located in the Vodihahy district. These extraordinary workshops showcase the talent of Malagasy artists and artisans who create magnificent wooden artworks. The materials used are diverse and sourced from Madagascar’s forests, often from the large forest east of Ambositra, renowned for its richly colored woods. Many of these are naturally pigmented endemic species.

Idom Art: Fine Malagasy marquetry

Idom Art was established by Dominique MASSERON, a French cabinetmaker, in collaboration with Malagasy marquetry artisans. Since the founder’s retirement in 2015, the team of 10 artisans has been led by Maud BRUN, who oversees the marquetry work. The workshop produces original and unique wooden artworks, including vibrantly colored portraits, landscapes, depictions of Malagasy life, posters, and more.

Exquisite marquetry creations

Crafting marquetry in Ambositra

Watching a Malagasy artisan at work is a delightful experience, as dexterity and ingenuity are at the heart of the craft. Designs are meticulously cut into wood using a mechanical fret saw, with blades ingeniously made from repurposed steel recovered from old tire frames. The puzzle-like pieces are then assembled and glued onto a plywood base. The artwork is framed, planed, scraped, sanded, and finally polished with natural beeswax.

Stunning marquetry pieces by Malagasy artisans

For custom orders, clients provide a photo for the artisan to replicate. However, the most striking creations come from the artisan’s own imagination, showcasing their creativity and exceptional skill. The natural colors of the woods bring these works to life, blending shades of white, blue, orange, yellow, red, violet, green, gray, and brown in a variety of tones. 

These masterpieces make perfect souvenirs for tourists, ranging from portraits to depictions of boats, rice fields, dances, markets, zebu cattle, and more.