Excerpt:
The Mahafaly consider their dead to be 'gods on earth':
intermediaries between the supreme being and humankind
who watch over the living and play a major part in everyday
family life. They are believed to influence the fortunes
of the living, and offending or neglecting them can
lead to great hardship. As a result, great care and
expense goes into building the tombs, which are the
main link between the living and the dead.
The massive monuments are built from stone blocks and
stand in a field of stones in which zebu horns are often
planted. The zebu, a symbol of prosperity, is a kind
of buffalo traditionally sacrificed in large numbers
during funeral ceremonies.
left: Aloalos
and zebu horns in the classical style.
right: A sophisticated aloalo by Mr. Efiaimbelo.