The Bezanozano: A Cultural Presentation
The Bezanozano are a fascinating ethnic group living in the region around Andasibe, in central Madagascar, between the east coast and the capital Antananarivo. Their name, which literally means “the many with small braids,” according to A. Grandidier, refers to the small twigs or fine braids in their hairstyles. The Bezanozano primarily reside in the upper valley of the Mangoro River, in the Ankay region, and around Moramanga. Their kingdom once extended beyond the Angavo cliff to the village of Ambatomanga before they came under the suzerainty of the Merina king Andrianampoinimerina. The Bezanozano can also be considered part of the larger Merina family, like distant cousins, but they retain a distinct cultural identity with unique customs and practices. Their traditional way of life is strongly influenced by their natural environment, which they use sustainably for farming, hunting, and fishing.
Lifestyle and Traditions:
In the past, the Bezanozano were organized into small clans who, to protect themselves from various threats and internal struggles, placed their fortified villages on mountain ridges. Even today, a few villages remain on these reputedly impregnable sites along the road to the East. The Bezanozano once held a unique monopoly, transporting goods between the east coast and the capital Antananarivo, at a time when portage was carried out on the backs of men, over considerable distances and in difficult conditions, as there were no roads, only tropical forests.
Today, the Bezanozano are also known for their agricultural practices, notably the cultivation of rice, manioc, corn, and various tropical fruits, which they sell along the roadside on the way east. Their way of life is deeply connected to nature, and they use traditional farming techniques. Traditional ceremonies and feasts play a central role in their culture, with dances, songs, and rituals celebrating important life events and agricultural seasons. The Bezanozano erect sacred poles topped with ox skulls, the tsikafana, a custom practiced either in memory of an event or in thanksgiving for a granted wish.
Encounters with the Bezanozano in the Andasibe Region:
Visiting the Bezanozano communities around Andasibe offers an opportunity to explore the richness of their culture and traditions. Visitors can take part in cultural activities such as guided village tours, traditional craft demonstrations, and typical local meals. Interaction with community members allows visitors to appreciate their warm hospitality and better understand their symbiotic relationship with nature. This immersion in their daily lives enriches the experience of any traveler seeking authenticity and cultural discovery in Madagascar.
