major_ethnic_groups_in_madagascar.doc | |
File Size: | 22 kb |
File Type: | doc |
Ethnic Groups
The people of Madagascar are known as Malagasy and represent about 18 to 20 different ethnic groups. However, Madagascar is a unique African country because even though all of these groups vary slightly in religious beliefs and traditions, almost all speak the national language of Malagasy and strive to become a singly society that avoids segregation. Currently, the ethnic groups of Madagascar are divided according to their geographical location. The “highlanders” are people living in the central plateau of Madagascar, while the “coastal dwellers” or cotters incorporate almost everyone else. Merina is an ethnic group that accounts for 25% of the population and who are considered “highlanders.” Other highlander groups include Bestileo and Sihanaka. Cotiers include Bara, Makoa, Mikea and Tanala.
Culture
Although there are unique characteristics to each of the ethnic groups, there are also some similarities that create the national culture in Madagascar. The culture is a unique blend of Asian, French and of course native cultures. Its location in the Indian Ocean made Madagascar accessible to many Muslims from Asia, who made an impact on the Malagasy people, as 5% are still Muslim. Many Arabic features are also still found within the culture. However, even with colonial influence in the past, Madagascar’s national language is Malagasy, with French the next most common language, as Madagascar was once a French colony.
Many religious beliefs on this island revolve around family and ancestors. Family is a very important part of life and many ethnic groups live their whole lives close to their families and in the same or very close communities. Ancestors are seen as important members in the society as well. Life and death are tightly linked in this culture, and it is believed the ancestors link the living with God. This explains the extreme care with which the people treat their dead family members. They are placed in massive tombs, which differ slightly for each ethnic group, along with their possessions and valuables to please the family member. There is a ceremony called famadihana that happens every 3, 5 or 7 years where a family re-wraps the remains of their ancestors in silk. This shows the reverence with which dead family members are held. Elders within the society are also treated with great respect; they are given the best part of the meat and are the first to eat at meal time for example.
Some other important seasonal festivals include the Festival of Rice and the Festival of the Trees. Many Western instruments and dances have been adapted to fit native Malagasy rhythms. The tube zither, the conch and the cone drum are thought to be of Idonesian origin, however, other drums and horns are native to Africa as well.
There is a large array of genres and styles of dancing, which includes Tromba or Salamanga, Joros and Fampithana, to name a few. These dances are used to assure social relationships, perform religious ceremonies, or for sacrifice. Some dances even transmit traditional knowledge through the generations. Messages and expressions are presented in these Malagasy dances through arrangements and body poses. For example, dances such as Salegy and the Jabana are supposed to mimic the movements of the waves, showing the people’s close relationship with their natural environment.
Many religious beliefs on this island revolve around family and ancestors. Family is a very important part of life and many ethnic groups live their whole lives close to their families and in the same or very close communities. Ancestors are seen as important members in the society as well. Life and death are tightly linked in this culture, and it is believed the ancestors link the living with God. This explains the extreme care with which the people treat their dead family members. They are placed in massive tombs, which differ slightly for each ethnic group, along with their possessions and valuables to please the family member. There is a ceremony called famadihana that happens every 3, 5 or 7 years where a family re-wraps the remains of their ancestors in silk. This shows the reverence with which dead family members are held. Elders within the society are also treated with great respect; they are given the best part of the meat and are the first to eat at meal time for example.
Some other important seasonal festivals include the Festival of Rice and the Festival of the Trees. Many Western instruments and dances have been adapted to fit native Malagasy rhythms. The tube zither, the conch and the cone drum are thought to be of Idonesian origin, however, other drums and horns are native to Africa as well.
There is a large array of genres and styles of dancing, which includes Tromba or Salamanga, Joros and Fampithana, to name a few. These dances are used to assure social relationships, perform religious ceremonies, or for sacrifice. Some dances even transmit traditional knowledge through the generations. Messages and expressions are presented in these Malagasy dances through arrangements and body poses. For example, dances such as Salegy and the Jabana are supposed to mimic the movements of the waves, showing the people’s close relationship with their natural environment.