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In African culture, close ties exist between the living and
the dead, and for the Malagasy people, burial tombs
are of the utmost importance. These tombs are often seen while
travelling in Madagascar; they consist of clusters of highly
decorated buildings that house the dead. These houses contain
no windows and are surrounded by a tall wall for protection.
Housing 'Gods on Earth'
Often their construction can cost more than the houses of
the living. The style and decorations reflect the status the
person held in their life. Malagasy believe in a supreme being
called Zanahary (The Creator); he is also known as
Andriamanitra (The Sweet Lord). Brightly coloured paints
are used to give the buildings a unique look that makes them
visible from far away; flags are often used to decorate the
houses as well.
The deceased play an integral role in communicating between
God and the living; they are considered 'Gods on Earth' for
the powers they posess in improving or destroying the living's
well being. Because bad things can happen when the dead are
neglected, great expense and care must be paid to these Razana
(ancestors). Interestingly, the living serve as extensions
of these dead relatives.
Burial rituals
There are two stages to death in the country. First, the
deceased is washed immediately after death in a ritual called
sasa. Then the body is preserved, not unlike a mummy
in Egypt where the body is wrapped in expensive cloth. The
second step is when the body is actually buried, and this
can be a year after the relative's passing, especially if
the death was unexpected. This is often due to the expense
that a correct burial requires, and without an expensive,
proper burial, the living's wealth and well being could be
jeopardized.
Though each region has a slightly different style or shape
to these tombs, the importance is the same. Land has great
importance. The sacred Tanindrazana (Ancestors Land)
is protected by social rules that keep them within the family's
relatives and can never be sold or stolen.
How to visit the tombs
When visiting these tombs, it pays to be educated by locals
when approaching them because various taboos, called fady,
are associated with deceased relatives. It is not wise to
approach a tomb until the appropriate family has given their
permission. Once permission is granted, you are free to wander
around the structures. |
