The Antefasy, a people of varied and mysterious origins, occupy an important place in Madagascar’s history and culture. Although some attribute Egyptian, Polynesian, or Malaysian roots to this ethnic group, what is certain is that the Antefasy, like all the ethnic groups of Madagascar, possess a rich heritage marked by a series of age-old traditions. Once settled in the southwest of Madagascar, the Antefasy migrated to the southeast in the 16th century, fleeing tribal conflicts. Today, they live primarily around the town of Farafangana, in a region between the Matitanana and Mananara, south of the Antemoro and north of the Antesaka.
The Antefasy practice Islam while retaining traditional beliefs. They speak their own dialect, rich in cultural and linguistic specificities. Once ruled by kings descended from Andriambolanony, the Antefasy now live peacefully alongside neighboring tribes such as the Bara, Antanosy, Antemoro, and Antesaka.
Their customs, particularly those relating to hierarchy and funeral practices, are very strict. Funeral ceremonies are marked by the burial of the deceased in the forest, accompanied by their belongings and decorative objects recounting their life and social class. The Antefasy attach great importance to wise men, chiefs, diviners, and sorcerers in the management of daily life, seeking their advice for crucial events such as weddings, travels, or even funerals.
Although they practice fishing, hunting, and subsistence farming, the Antefasy have also turned to export crops such as coffee and cloves. The port of Farafangana, once vital during the colonial period, has lost its commercial role, and trade now occurs primarily by road.
