Antaimoro

Antaimoro literally means People of the sout. They are descendants from the Antalaotra and constitute about 3.4% of the population. The Antaimoro people live south of the Betsimisaraka around Vohipeno and Manakara on the southeast coast of Madagascar. The Antaimoro were apparently the last significant arrivals, appearing around the end of the 15th century, possibly from the Arabian Peninsula. They maintain Islamic and Arabian traditions and wear amulets with verses of the Koran. The tribe has a strong caste system. Men and women live strictly separated from each other and are even buried in separate graves.

Already long before the introduction of the Latin writing by the missionaries, the Antaimoro had their own form of Arabic writing (sorabe). They are well known for their paper made of bamboo fiber, often decorated with pressed petals.

The Antaimoro have an indepth knowledge of the supernatural and medicine. They are well respected for their powerful magicians and their magical powers.