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What would probably shock Westerners & most Christians of the world is all correct for Merina noble(wo)men. What I'm referring to is the use of red shades as colours of tranomanara. For the tranomanara being an distinctive feature of noblemen's tombs, what could be more approriate than using red shades since the latter were the colours of nobles. Actually, only the noblemen could wear red, carmin et all. be it for their umbrellas, accessories, clothing. Btw, the Merina kingdom flag is made of red & white parts.
So, while most Malagasy use to avoid wearing red while mourning, some would be expected to bury a loved one in a tomb with a bright red tranomanara, such as the hut on my picture.
**There are other areas in Greater Tana where to find noblemen necropolis & those specific architectures. Still, this is a smaller area, easy to reach, on your way to the UNESCO site of Ambohimanga. Try to hit Anosy Avaratra in the mornings as it is the perfect time to enjoy the serenity of such a place".**
Updated Jul 17, 2006
Anosy avaratra is one of those places where to find traditional tomb architecture. Here, you'll find the typical Merina noblemen tombs. One of its distinctive features is that a Merina noblemen tomb has this little wooden hut above it. The little hut is called "tranomanara" (:"cold house"). Uses to be called "tranomasina" (:"sacred house") when the tomb it stands on is one of royal family. Also, I know that there are noblemen groups which could have a tranomanara, others who couldn't.
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...
Updated Jul 17, 2006
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Anosy avaratra is one of those places where to find traditional tomb architecture. Here, you'll find the typical Merina noblemen tombs. One of its distinctive...
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For the tombs, the views & more... much more !
Very few pictures but some surprises and memories. Still, the page will be a short one... I was busy chatting with a kind local man instead of taking pictures. And, well, no bad in that... in the...
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