In Malagasy culture, the term Vazimba refers to a legendary people often mentioned in historical accounts and oral traditions. The Vazimba are considered to be the first inhabitants of Madagascar’s Highlands, before the arrival of the Merina ethnic groups.
According to popular beliefs, they were small in stature, with large heads, intelligent, and brave in battle. However, their exact origin remains uncertain. To which human lineage did they belong? History does not provide a definitive answer, and several hypotheses have been proposed.
The two main theories are as follows:
- An African origin – Some researchers believe that the Vazimba came from ancient African migrations.
- A connection to the Merina – Others suggest that the Vazimba and the Merina were actually the same people, with the Vazimba simply being the first settlers of the Highlands.
Today, the word “Vazimba” is also used in some regions to refer to spirits or ancestors linked to these early inhabitants.
