Is 'raffia' English, or is it actually Malagasy?

'Raffia' is a word borrowed from Malagasy 'raffia'. The word entered the English language some time around 1882.

raffia [noun] [1882]

The fiber of the raffia palm used especially as cord for tying and weaving

See 'raffia' on the Loan Words Map

See more loan words from Malagasy.

Etymology: Malagasy 'rafia'

See more loan words from 1800s.