Madagascar

An Indian Ocean island of Austronesian and African roots, Madagascar is known for ancestral cults, hira gasy theatre and silk weaving.

Spirituality & rites Music & dance Textile & dress Language & oral Food & cooking

Knowledge in this place

Famadihana

The 'turning of the bones', a Merina rite rewrapping ancestors in fresh shrouds.

Spirituality & rites

Hira gasy theatre

Hira gasy theatre

A daylong spectacle of oratory, song and dance staged by competing troupes.

Lamba silk weaving

Lamba silk weaving

Handwoven silk shawls, including burial lamba mena, central to Malagasy dress.

Textile & dress

Malagasy language

Malagasy language

An Austronesian language rich in hainteny poetry and ohabolana proverbs.

Language & oral

Romazava

A beef and leafy-greens broth regarded as the national dish.