Recognized and appreciated all over the world,
Charming through their grave, you will find a distinct culture among the Mahafaly people. They live in the southwest region of Madagascar. Expressing their cultures and beliefs through their crafts, and funerary art, these people act for the cultural richness of Madagascar. They are a living testimony to the history and tradition of this community.
Singular, building their tomb is quite an art for the Mahafaly.
Look at how this ethnic group builds their graves. Architecture, painting, geometric patterns, engravings and figurines build the decorations of these vaults.
Presenting a remarkable example of Malagasy funerary art, the Mahafaly tomb uses wood and stone in its construction. Admirable are the decorations with sculptures representing scenes of daily life, animals and religious symbols.
Durable and weather resistant, the hardwood acts as the choice in the realization of the sculptures. Assembled by hand, the foundation is often built in granite. The endurance makes da collection of these materials, ensuring the durability of the tombs.
Admirable, the Mahafaly tombs show you a unique decoration.
Original and distinct, the decoration of the tombs relates the funerary art of the Mahafaly. Feel all the possible types of decorations that you can encounter :
Wooden sculptures, often depicting scenes of daily life, animals and religious symbols. To accentuate the details and patterns, these sculptures are painted with bright colors (between red, green, blue and yellow).
Complex, geometric patterns are also found on tombstones. Circles, triangles, and checkerboards are the most common motifs. The stone foundation is also decorated in the same way. Also discover terracotta figurines. Family members and animals embody these idols.
Associated with beliefs and funerary practices, Mahafaly tombs have enough to tell.
Life after death, the Mahafaly people fervently believe. Considered shrines to the souls of the deceased, graves are revered. Frequently used to mark territories and family boundaries, they are considered a symbol of family unity and continuity.
Properly cared for, the construction of these graves is intended to honor the deceased in his final resting place. They need protection for eternity. Believing in life after death, the offerings are a pledge of life. Offerings include food, water, valuables and even sacrificial animals.
Funeral ceremonies are very important in the beliefs of the Mahafaly. The passage from one life to another, marked by this ceremony, is about accompanying the deceased in their journey to the afterlife. Making offerings is a sign of this.
Protectors of the tombs and the souls of the deceased, the guardians are seen to be responsible for keeping the sanctuaries in good condition. Carrying the offerings, and ensuring that the deceased rests in peace, are also part of their responsibilities.
