Anosy Avaratra Local Customs
Learn the local customs of Anosy Avaratra. Tips and photos posted by real travelers and Anosy Avaratra locals.
Local Time 9:10 am Friday, September 5, 2008
Anosy Avaratra Map
Anosy Avaratra Map
on July 17, 2006
Its origin reportedly dated back to Andriantompokoindrindra, son of Imerina King Ralambo (17th cent). He didn't succeed his father. His brother, Andrianjaka, inheritated the kingdom instead whilst Andriantompokoindrindra obtained a smaller kingdom (Ambohimalaza). What could be perceived as a reaction to this was that he once decided to add a wooden hut to his tomb. His idea was to state the difference between him, a nobleman, & the freemen, also that, then, dogs wouldn't be able to walk on (his tomb &) his mortal remains. His brother, the King, adopted this view & had added a tranomanara on his tomb.
Well to sum it up, if you see one with a small wooden hut, it is a nobleman's tomb, for sure.
Why a "Cold house" ? because no fire could be lit in the hut... Now, got me hink, why would one light a fire in a wooden hut on a tomb ? lol
Anyway... while chatting with Bayard, he reported the "shocking" story of a painter whose tomb was (is) in the necropolis & who decided to occupy the tranomanara of his tomb. Seems it was a real offense to tradition as he used to live & paint in the hut. Of course, he had to cook there & then, light a fire... and that was so shocking for the villagers. Bayard said it was there that came the adage "The village is burnt as Ramaka is there"... I was told though that this say had its origin from earlier period...
