# Antandroy

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Ethnic group in Madagascar

Ethnic group

Tandroy Total population c. 600,000 Regions with significant populations Madagascar Languages Tandroy Related ethnic groups Other Malagasy groups, Austronesian peoples, Bantu peoples

The **Tandroy** also known as **Ampatres** in the 17th century are a traditionally [nomadic](/source/Nomadic) [ethnic group of Madagascar](/source/Ethnic_groups_of_Madagascar) inhabiting the arid southern part of the island called [Androy](/source/Androy). In the 17th century however, the Tandroy emerged as a confederation of two groups ruled by the Zafimanara dynasty until major flooding caused the kingdom to disband around 1790. The difficult terrain and climate of Tandroy protected and isolated the population, sparing them from subjugation by the [Kingdom of Imerina](/source/Kingdom_of_Imerina) in the 19th century; later, the [French colonial authority](/source/French_Madagascar) also struggled to exert its influence over this population. Since independence the Tandroy have suffered prejudice and economic marginalization, prompting widespread migration and intermarriage with other ethnic groups, and leading them to play a key role in the [protests](/source/Rotaka) that sparked the end of President [Philibert Tsiranana](/source/Philibert_Tsiranana)'s administration in 1972.

The Tandroy may also be called the **Antandroy**, but it is technically redundant: *roy* means *thorn*; the prefix *an* means *place of*; and the additional *t* means *from*.

While the Tandroy share many common cultural features with other ethnic groups in Madagascar, such as respect for the ancestors, a [common language](/source/Malagasy_language) and complex funeral rites, certain practices set them apart. They are particularly known for their distinctive dances, cotton woven clothing, elaborately decorated tombs, and unique use of plank architecture in the construction of their houses. Also unlike most Malagasy ethnic groups they rely more heavily on tubers, yams, millet and other crops that are less dependent on water for cultivation than the rice so prevalent elsewhere on the island. The herding of zebu remains the principal economic activity of the Tandroy, and their tombs are commonly decorated with numerous zebu skulls as an indication of wealth.

## Ethnic identity

Distribution of Malagasy ethnic groups

The name *Tandroy* means "people of the thorns" in reference to the [spiny thickets](/source/Madagascar_spiny_thickets) of [endemic](/source/Endemism) plants that characterize the southwestern region of [Madagascar](/source/Madagascar).[1] Their traditional homeland forms the modern [Androy Region](/source/Androy_Region), which is roughly located between [Amboasary](/source/Amboasary) and [Beloha](/source/Beloha) and between the ocean and [Bekily](/source/Bekily); the population is most concentrated around [Ambovombe](/source/Ambovombe).

There are around 600,000 Tandroy as of 2013.[2] They constitute the fifth largest ethnic group on the island.[3]

## History

Antandroy dancer and medicine man, 1936

The inhabitants of the Tandroy region identify with one of two distinct traditions. The oral history of the Karimbola clan inhabiting the western portion of Tandroy does not describe a migration into the area, but rather implies the inhabitants were always present.[4] In the early 18th century, the westernmost portion of Tandroy was conquered by the Menarandra dynasty of the neighboring [Mahafaly](/source/Mahafaly) people.[5] In the eastern portion of Tandroy, the original population of the Mahandrovato clan was gradually outnumbered by [Antanosy](/source/Antanosy_people) and [Bara](/source/Bara_people) refugees. By the early 18th century a centralized confederation emerged to unite all those living between the Menarandra and Mendare rivers. This confederation was ruled by a dynasty of Zafimanara, a sub-group of the Mahandrovato clan, which gave the region and its people the name Tandroy. Zafimanara power waned around 1790 when significant flooding and the consequent ecological upheaval prompted them to flee to the Manombo plateau.[4] The Tandroy have never been part of the Merina Kingdom.

Throughout [French colonization of Madagascar](/source/French_Madagascar) (1897-1960), the Tandroy - alongside the Mahafaly - were viewed as the most uncivilized of the island's ethnic groups.[6] This perception spread among fellow Malagasy, establishing a stereotype that characterized the Antandroy as half-clothed savages.[7]

The toppling of the [Tsiranana](/source/Philibert_Tsiranana) presidency and end of the [First Republic](/source/First_Republic_of_Madagascar) in 1972 was sparked by the armed protest of Antandroy peasants in [Toliara](/source/Toliara) against corruption in tax collection.[8]

## Society

Antandroy women

The Tandroy are a traditionally nomadic [ethnic group of Madagascar](/source/Ethnic_groups_of_Madagascar) inhabiting the arid southern part of the island called [Androy](/source/Androy).[1] The harshness of the environment they inhabit has historically served to largely isolate and protect them from attack by other Malagasy ethnic groups; the French also struggled to exert authority over the Antandroy after colonization.[9] After national [independence from France](/source/French_Madagascar) in 1960, the Tandroy (as well as the Merina) became the most common practitioners of interethnic marriage, in large part to the frequent migration of Tandroy men in search of economic opportunity.[3]

### Family affiliation

Tandroy families are patriarchal and women are expected to be subordinate to the males in their family.[1] Circumcision is an important ritual for male Tandroy, and among some communities the foreskin is shot from the barrel of a gun in celebration.[10]

### Religious affiliation

The Tandroy share the common Malagasy beliefs in a creator god and the eternal life and power of the ancestors, who intervene in the affairs of the living and who must be respected. The Tandroy commune with and can be possessed by the ancestors by entering a trance state called *bilo*.[11] Crocodiles are commonly feared among the Tandroy, and members of the Zafindravoay clan believe they are the descendants of a union between a Tandroy woman and a crocodile.[12] In addition, the *kokolampo* spirit is believed to be able to exert positive or negative influence over events in the life of a Tandroy.[1]

[Christianity](/source/Christianity_in_Madagascar) was introduced in southern Madagascar beginning in the late 19th century, predominantly by [Lutheran](/source/Lutheranism) missionaries; this remains the predominant form of Christianity among the Tandroy, although most continue to adhere to traditional beliefs.[13] *Mpisoro* soothsayers are a common feature of Tandroy village society and are a respected authority in traditional communities.[14]

## Culture

The *[lokanga](/source/Lokanga_bara)* played by a member of the group [Vilon'androy](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Vilon%27androy&action=edit&redlink=1)

The Tandroy consume less rice than the average [Malagasy](/source/Malagasy_people) because of the extreme aridity of [Toliara](/source/Toliara) province. They have rather subsisted on a [traditional diet](/source/Cuisine_of_Madagascar) of maize, [sweet potato](/source/Sweet_potato), [manioc](/source/Cassava),[1] and [zebu](/source/Zebu) milk and curd. Other staples include yams, taro root, and [millet](/source/Millet), generally boiled in water and occasionally served in whole milk or flavored with crushed peanuts.[15]

Whereas most dwellings in Madagascar are traditionally constructed from pliable plant materials, the Tandroy are one of the few ethnic groups to use wood plank to build their [homes](/source/Architecture_of_Madagascar). Tandroy homes are traditionally square (not rectangular, as elsewhere on the island), raised on low stilts, topped with a peaked roof and constructed of vertically-hung planks of wood affixed to a wooden frame.[16] These houses traditionally have no windows and feature three wooden doors: the front door is the women's entrance, the door at the rear of the house is for children, and the third door is used by the men.[17] Fences are often constructed around Antandroy houses using [prickly-pear cactus](/source/Opuntia) (*raketa*) or lengths of [indigenous succulents](/source/Didiereaceae) from the surrounding spiny forests.[18]

As the southern arid region of Tandroy is hot much of the year, clothing among the Tandroy is often minimal.[1] Traditional clothing is mainly made of hand-carded and spun cotton which is woven to form *[lamba](/source/Lamba_(garment))* wrappers and loincloths. Weaving continues to be done uniquely by women, who use a wooden spindle rolled against their thigh to twist the cotton into threads for weaving. Before the thread is dipped in a stiffening solution it is called *fole velo* ("living yarn") and is believed to be imbued with spiritual power. For this reason, *fole velo* is used in numerous Antandroy rituals such as the circumcision ceremony, and is tied around others' wrists by an *ambiasa* (healer) to offer protection.[19] Raw silk (*landy*) is also sometimes used to make clothing.[20]

### Fady

Antandroy man and woman

The Tandroy adhere to a variety of *[fady](/source/Fady_(taboo))* (taboos) established by elders and ancestors. Antandroy women are prohibited from milking zebu.[1] There is a general *fady* in Antandroy society against killing the [radiated tortoise](/source/Radiated_tortoise), and a particular Tandroy king was forbidden to so much as look at one.[21] It is also *fady* to mention the name of a deceased king.[22]

### Funeral rites

Upon the death of an Tandroy, family members organize a communal funeral feast. Zebu are sacrificed and their meat given to the community. After laying in state for several days, the deceased's body is placed in a coffin, and more zebu are slaughtered.[23] The mood at this ceremony can be celebratory, and among some Tandroy, community members will pick up the coffin and run into the sea with it.[24] Afterward the coffin is placed in a tomb for the male head of household and his immediate family members.[23] Like the neighboring [Mahafaly](/source/Mahafaly),[1] the tombs of the Tandroy are called *fanesy* ("your eternal place"). These are large and rectangular - the larger the tomb, the more wealthy the man - and are decorated with colorful paintings. Tall stones are traditionally placed on each side to represent male and female; in recent years, towers are often constructed in lieu of the stones. The skulls of the zebu slaughtered for the funeral feast are placed on top of the tomb[23] to indicate the deceased's wealth.[25]

Transfer of the coffin to the tomb may take as long as several months while the building is completed. During this period of construction another two-day mourning ceremony takes place; zebu sacrifice and ritual wailing may again take place upon placing the coffin in the tomb. Once the coffin has been placed, stones are heaped over it to fill the tomb. The deceased's house is then destroyed by fire to complete the funeral rites. Family and community members will not return to visit the tomb.[23]

### Dance and music

A performance of Antandroy dance

Stringed instruments are common among the Tandroy. They construct *[marovany](/source/Marovany)* (box zithers) from pine planks, using unwound bicycle cables as strings. The *mandolina* and *gitara* are the Antandroy names of a popular Southern [chordophone](/source/Chordophone) similar to the *[kabosy](/source/Kabosy)* but with nylon fishing line for strings and five or seven movable frets that facilitate modification of the instrument's tuning. The *[lokanga](/source/Lokanga_bara)* is a stringed instrument popular with the Tandroy that has a gourd resonator and is played with a bow, much like the *jejy voatavo* played further north, but with the resonator carved to resemble a three-stringed [fiddle](/source/Fiddle). Tandroy vocal music features rich polyharmonic melodies.[26] The unique traditional dances of the Tandroy are performed with spears and accompanied by [distinctive music](/source/Music_of_Madagascar) punctuated with shrill whistles and [fipple flutes](/source/Fipple_flute).

## Language

The Tandroy speak a dialect of the [Malagasy language](/source/Malagasy_language), which is a branch of the [Malayo-Polynesian language group](/source/Malayo-Polynesian_languages) derived from the [Barito languages](/source/Barito_languages), spoken in southern [Borneo](/source/Borneo).

## Economy

Cattle herding is the main economic activity of the Antandroy. They also practice subsistence farming of cassava, millet, rice and maize.[9] Honey is also a major product of the Antandroy.[27]

Historically, the Tandroy were known as great ironsmiths; their skill in repairing firearms was particularly reputed in the imperial period prior to [French colonization](/source/French_Madagascar) in 1897.[28] Today, many Antandroy men travel seasonally to neighboring areas to search for paid work.[9]

## Additional information

A museum dedicated to Tandroy culture and history operates within the [Berenty Reserve](/source/Berenty_Reserve), approximately two hours north of [Taolagnaro](/source/Taolagnaro). Described as "undoubtedly the best ethnographic museum in Madagascar", the Museum of the Tandroy features photo exhibitions and displays traditional arts and handicrafts; a model Tandroy house may be visited on the adjacent grounds.[29]

## Notes

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEBradtAustin200724_1-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEBradtAustin200724_1-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEBradtAustin200724_1-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEBradtAustin200724_1-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEBradtAustin200724_1-4) [***f***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEBradtAustin200724_1-5) [***g***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEBradtAustin200724_1-6) [***h***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEBradtAustin200724_1-7) [Bradt & Austin 2007](#CITEREFBradtAustin2007), p. 24.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEDiagram_Group2013_2-0)** [Diagram Group 2013](#CITEREFDiagram_Group2013).

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEFageCrowderOliver1984686_3-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEFageCrowderOliver1984686_3-1) [Fage, Crowder & Oliver 1984](#CITEREFFageCrowderOliver1984), p. 686.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEOgot1999435_4-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEOgot1999435_4-1) [Ogot 1999](#CITEREFOgot1999), p. 435.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEOgot1999426_5-0)** [Ogot 1999](#CITEREFOgot1999), p. 426.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTERaison-JourdeRandrianja2002142_6-0)** [Raison-Jourde & Randrianja 2002](#CITEREFRaison-JourdeRandrianja2002), p. 142.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTERaison-JourdeRandrianja200256_7-0)** [Raison-Jourde & Randrianja 2002](#CITEREFRaison-JourdeRandrianja2002), p. 56.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEFageCrowderOliver1984682_8-0)** [Fage, Crowder & Oliver 1984](#CITEREFFageCrowderOliver1984), p. 682.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEOlson199632_9-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEOlson199632_9-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEOlson199632_9-2) [Olson 1996](#CITEREFOlson1996), p. 32.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEBradtAustin200722_10-0)** [Bradt & Austin 2007](#CITEREFBradtAustin2007), p. 22.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEBradtAustin200714_11-0)** [Bradt & Austin 2007](#CITEREFBradtAustin2007), p. 14.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTECampbell2012472_12-0)** [Campbell 2012](#CITEREFCampbell2012), p. 472.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEFageCrowderOliver1984688_13-0)** [Fage, Crowder & Oliver 1984](#CITEREFFageCrowderOliver1984), p. 688.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEBradtAustin200719_14-0)** [Bradt & Austin 2007](#CITEREFBradtAustin2007), p. 19.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-15)** Faublée, Jacques (1942). ["L'alimentation des Bara (Sud de Madagascar)"](http://www.persee.fr/doc/jafr_0037-9166_1942_num_12_1_2534). *Journal de la Société des Africanistes* (in French). **12** (12): 157–202. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.3406/jafr.1942.2534](https://doi.org/10.3406%2Fjafr.1942.2534).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEAcquier199745_16-0)** [Acquier 1997](#CITEREFAcquier1997), p. 45.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Chapman_1940_17-0)** Chapman, Olive (1940). "Primitive tribes in Madagascar". *The Geographical Journal*. **96** (1): 14–25. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.2307/1788495](https://doi.org/10.2307%2F1788495). [JSTOR](/source/JSTOR_(identifier)) [1788495](https://www.jstor.org/stable/1788495).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Linton_18-0)** Linton, Ralph (1928). ["Culture Areas in Madagascar"](https://doi.org/10.1525%2Faa.1928.30.3.02a00010). *American Anthropologist*. **30** (1): 363–390. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1525/aa.1928.30.3.02a00010](https://doi.org/10.1525%2Faa.1928.30.3.02a00010).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTECondra2013456_19-0)** [Condra 2013](#CITEREFCondra2013), p. 456.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTECondra2013457_20-0)** [Condra 2013](#CITEREFCondra2013), p. 457.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEGennep1904289_21-0)** [Gennep 1904](#CITEREFGennep1904), p. 289.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEGennep1904340_22-0)** [Gennep 1904](#CITEREFGennep1904), p. 340.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEBradtAustin2007204_23-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEBradtAustin2007204_23-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEBradtAustin2007204_23-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEBradtAustin2007204_23-3) [Bradt & Austin 2007](#CITEREFBradtAustin2007), p. 204.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEBradtAustin200716_24-0)** [Bradt & Austin 2007](#CITEREFBradtAustin2007), p. 16.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEBradtAustin200718_25-0)** [Bradt & Austin 2007](#CITEREFBradtAustin2007), p. 18.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEEmoff2008123–129_26-0)** [Emoff 2008](#CITEREFEmoff2008), pp. 123–129.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTECampbell2012441_27-0)** [Campbell 2012](#CITEREFCampbell2012), p. 441.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTECampbell2012423_28-0)** [Campbell 2012](#CITEREFCampbell2012), p. 423.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEBradtAustin2007245_29-0)** [Bradt & Austin 2007](#CITEREFBradtAustin2007), p. 245.

## References

- Acquier, Jean-Louis (1997). *Architectures de Madagascar* (in French). Berlin: Berger-Levrault. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-2-7003-1169-3](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-2-7003-1169-3).

- Bradt, Hilary; Austin, Daniel (2007). [*Madagascar*](https://books.google.com/books?id=uTRPnMlOcwgC) (9th ed.). Guilford, CT: The Globe Pequot Press Inc. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-1-84162-197-5](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-84162-197-5).

- Campbell, Gwyn (2012). [*David Griffiths and the Missionary "History of Madagascar"*](https://books.google.com/books?id=Va8yAQAAQBAJ). Leiden, The Netherlands: Brill. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-90-04-19518-9](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-90-04-19518-9).

- Condra, Jill (2013). [*Encyclopedia of National Dress: Traditional Clothing Around the World*](https://books.google.com/books?id=lazWAQAAQBAJ). Los Angeles: ABC Clio. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-313-37637-5](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-313-37637-5).

- Diagram Group (2013). [*Encyclopedia of African Peoples*](https://books.google.com/books?id=xJQuAgAAQBAJ). San Francisco, CA: Routledge. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [9781135963415](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9781135963415).

- Emoff, Ron (2008). "Music of Madagascar: An Overview". In Koskoff, Ellen (ed.). *The Concise Garland Encyclopedia of World Music*. New York: Routledge. pp. 123–129. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [9780415972932](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9780415972932).

- Fage, J.D.; Crowder, M.; Oliver, R.A. (1984). [*The Cambridge History of Africa*](https://books.google.com/books?id=n5e4tiaV0fkC). Cambridge, MS: Cambridge University Press. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [9780521224093](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9780521224093).

- Gennep, A.V. (1904). [*Tabou Et Totémisme à Madagascar*](https://books.google.com/books?id=plISAwAAQBAJ) (in French). Paris: Ernest Leroux. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [9785878397216](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9785878397216). {{[cite book](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Cite_book)}}: ISBN / Date incompatibility ([help](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:CS1_errors#invalid_isbn_date))

- Ogot, Bethwell (1999). [*Africa from the Sixteenth to the Eighteenth Century*](https://books.google.com/books?id=mFPG_5Anp8sC). Paris: UNESCO. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-85255-095-3](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-85255-095-3).

- Olson, James (1996). [*The Peoples of Africa: An Ethnohistorical Dictionary*](https://books.google.com/books?id=MdaAdBC-_S4C). Westport CT: Greenwood Publishing. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-313-27918-8](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-313-27918-8).

- Raison-Jourde, Françoise; [Randrianja, Solofo](/source/Solofo_Randrianja) (2002). [*La nation malgache au défi de l'ethnicité*](https://books.google.com/books?id=tVUCGFo8GDEC) (in French). Paris: Karthala. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-2-84586-304-0](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-2-84586-304-0).

v t e Ethnic groups of Madagascar Malagasy Anjoaty Antaifasy Antemoro Antaisaka Antambahoaka Antandroy Antankarana Antanosy Bara Beosi Betsileo Betsimisaraka Bezanozano Karimbola Mahafaly Makoa Masikoro Merina Mikea Sahafatra Sahavoay Sakalava Sihanaka Tanala Tsimihety Vazimba Vezo Zafimaniry Zafisoro Immigrants Karana (Indian) Sinoa (Chinese) Vazaha (European) Frantsay (French)

Authority control databases National United States Israel Other IdRef Yale LUX

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Antandroy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antandroy) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antandroy?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.