Funeral in Mahafaly

Mahafaly people are one of the eighteen tribes in Madagascar. They live in the southwest part of Madagascar. They are farmers.

In Mahafaly the dead person is put in a special house. However, if his/her family is poor the deceased person is put in the forest until the men from his family could save money in order to buy zebus. As soon as the Zebus are gathered, they bring back the dead person and organize a ceremony with the neighbors. They sing, dance and eat some zebu meat.

Besides, there are also gunshots. Unlike people who live in the city, Mahafaly people have their own beliefs. According to them, there's a link between the dead and people who are alive. That is why, during the burial, they pour zebu blood on the tomb to tell to the dead person "Leave us alone", "Don't disturb us anymore". Finally, they decorate the tomb with "aloalo" and zebu horns to describe the life of the dead person while he was alive and to honor him.

Written by Solofo

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