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Antaimoro literally means ''People of the south''. They are descendants from the [[Antalaotra]] and constitute about 3.4% of the population. The Antaimoro people live south of the [[Betsimisaraka]] people around [[Vohipeno]] and [[Manakara]] on the southeast coast of Madagascar. The Antaimoro were apparently the last significant arrivals, appearing to the island around the end of the 15th century, possibly from the Arabian Peninsulapeninsula. They maintain Islamic and Arabian traditions and wear amulets decorated 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. The royal tombs of the Antaimoro royal family can be seen in the village at [[Ivato]] near Vohipeno.
Already long before the introduction of the Latin writing scripture by the European 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 medicine and the supernatural and medicine. They are respected as well respected as feared for their powerful magicians and their magical powers. Beside Besides fishing, they grow rice and other , crops and keep are cattlefarmers.