Betsileo

Betsileo means The many invincibles. The majority of the Betsileo tribe lives in the south of the Central Highlands around Fianarantsoa. About 150,000 have their home in the Betsiboka region.

The Betsileo are well known for their very good knowledge of rice cultivation. Irrigated, terraced rice paddies are characteristic scenery around Betsileo villages. Men are traditionally wrapped in colourful blankets, women have often shiny gold teeth and single boys will put a comb in their hair to inform that they are looking for a wife.

The ceremony of Famadihana - turning of the bones was introduced to the Betsileo people by the Merina during the time of Queen Ranavalona I. Like many other ethnical groups, also the Betsileo are superstitious. For example, it is fady to start a meal before the father or the most honourable person is present. For a husband it is fady to wear a lamba (traditional blanket) thrown over his shoulder during the pregnancy of his wife.