A raffia is a specific type of African palm tree, and raffia is also the name of the versatile fiber that's made from it. You've might have received a gift that was decorated with a raffia bow.
In the world of crafts, raffia is extremely popular. It's a strong, natural fiber that makes an excellent package tie, and it's also used to stake garden plants, weave baskets and placemats, and even for making shoes and hats. In areas of Nigeria, long fronds of raffia are also used as fishing poles. The vast majority of raffia trees are found in Madagascar, and the name comes from the Malagasy rafia.