The Malagasy tombs
There is no cemetery in Mahafaly country. The tombs are erected at a place chosen by the men during their living and the construction stars after their death. The custom is to preserve the dead for a certain period which can reach up to a few weeks, enough time to build the tomb, which can be postponed because of financial reasons.
The top of the tombs is decorated with zebu horns. Their number indicates the quantity of animals killed for the mortuary ceremony, in other words the degree of wealth or recognition that the dead has had. The Mahafaly tombs distinguish themselves through aloalo i.e 1,5-meter high funeral columns sculpted in wood representing daily life scenes. They inform about the wealth and social status of the dead.
The richest sepultures are often found next to the main roads to be admired by the ones passing by. They are also important “monuments” for the south of Madagascar and are generally surrounded by a mysterious aura, characteristic of the Malagasy beliefs towards their ancestors.
For financial reasons, the tombs’ maintenance is not always regular. Yet, it is said that the Mahafaly are only working for their dead.
