Sakalava people

The Sakalava are an ethnic group that live mainly along the western edge of Madagascar. Their area stretches from Toliara in the south all the way up to the Sambirano River in the north.

The meaning behind the name “Sakalava” is not completely clear. One popular idea is that it means “people of the long valleys.” This fits because the land in western Madagascar is quite flat with long ravines. Another theory suggests the name may come from an Arabic word saqaliba, which itself comes from an old Late Latin word. The Sakalava have a rich culture and history that is important to the story of Madagascar.

History

Further information: Sakalava empire

The Sakalava people are a mix of Austronesian and Bantu groups. People from southeast Asia and the Pacific began settling in Madagascar between 400 and 900 CE. Farmers from Central and East Africa arrived in the ninth century.

European traders, starting with the Portuguese in the 15th century, later arrived. Traders from Arabia, India, and other places also came. Over time, many different groups lived on the island, forming the Malagasy peoples.

The Sakalava formed their first kingdoms around the 1650s. They were powerful in western Madagascar during the 1700s. Their influence grew until the late 1700s when they were defeated by another group, the Merina.

Kings and queens

The Sakalava people had many kings and queens over the years. Some early kings include Andriandahifotsy, who ruled from 1600 to 1680, and Andriamandisoarivo, who ruled between 1680 and 1712.

Later, the kingdom split into two parts. One part was ruled by Andramahatindriarivo from 1722 to 1742, and the other by Andrianahevenarivo starting in 1733. Many leaders followed, including Ravahiny, Tsimaloma, and Andriantsoly. Andriantsoly was deposed in 1824 by Radama I after the fall of Mahajanga. He later tried to regain control but lost to Queen Ranavalona I.

In 1841, the islands of Nosy Be and Nosy Komba became a French Protectorate. Queens like Oantitsy and Tsiomeko also ruled during this time. Later leaders included Andriamamalikiarivo, Safy Mozongo, and Binao. Under Binao's rule, Madagascar became a French colony. Amada ruled from 1923 to 1968, and Fatoma took the throne in 1970. The current leader is Soulaimana Andriantsoly, who has been in power since 1993.

Demographics

The Sakalava are made up of several smaller groups that once lived under the same empire and now share the same name. They have many different traditions and languages, depending on where they live. The Sakalava are split into two main groups:

• The Sakalava of Boina speak a north malagasy dialect.
• The Sakalava of Menabe speak a southern malagasy dialect.

The Sakalava live across a large area of about 128,000 square kilometers, from the Onilahy River in the southwest to Nosy Be in the north. They also raise zebu cattle, which are similar to cattle in Africa and are not as common in other parts of the island.

Society and culture

The Sakalava people have many interesting traditions and beliefs. About 60% follow Fomba Gasy, a traditional religion that honors important ancestors. Special priests called dady lead ceremonies called Tromba, where they connect with the spirits of the ancestors. People visit memorial sites to remember and honor these ancestors.

Some Sakalava also follow Sunni Islam, which came through Arab traders, and Christianity, brought by European traders. These faiths mix with many traditional practices. The Sakalava society has different social levels, with royal families holding special respect. They are also known for raising large herds of cattle, though farming has become more common in recent times.

Notable Sakalava

Eusèbe Jaojoby is a famous singer. He is known as the King of Salegy. He comes from the Sakalava ethnic group.