9,573
edits
Changes
no edit summary
'''The Antankarana people are an ethnic group living in the north of Madagascar around Antsiranana ([[Diego Suarez]]). Antankarana literally means ''Those of the Rocks'', referring to the limestone rock formations ([[Tsingy|tsingy]]) and mountains which characterise their territory. The [[Sambirano]] river forms the border in the south.'''
The Antankarana descent from a group which separated from the Sakalava in the 18th century. Under the reign of their king Tsimiharo I they formed a separate kingdom with [[Ambatoharanana]] as capital. Today, the Antankarana royalty continues to rule, although their power is merely symbolic and mostly concerned with keeping their traditions alive. They still worship natural sanctuaries. Their largest festival ''Tsangatsainatsanga-tsainy'' is the most important ceremony celebrated every five years in Ambatoharanana. Therefore a large mast with the emblems of the people symbolising their unity and support of the monarchy is erected. The festival is dominated by singing and dancing accompanied by sacrifices and prayers.
The ''Tsakafaratsakafara'' ritual is celebrated each year on a date predicted by a soothsayer. At the Tsakafara tsakafara people ask their ancestors for support and assistance in future projects, such as house building, business plans etc..
The duration and time of a ''Trombatromba'' depends on the matters to be solved. At a Tromba tromba the spirits of the late kings are called which will appear and give advice through a possessed person.
The Antankarana people are mainly fishermen or cattle farmers. They grow only a few crops such as maize, rice and cassava on a small scale. The majority of the Antankarana are Muslims.
<!--The Antankarana do not bury their dead by placing the coffin under the ground. Rather, the coffin is quite simply left on top of the ground.-->