PRIME MAG - AIR MAD - NOVEMBER 2018 - ALLS PAGES-lowres

DESTINATIONS
Ampasamnantogotra
Photo © : R.Bohan Trancontinents
Photo © : MACP GOV
Ampasamanantongotra ("the tomb with
feet"), got its name due to the fact that it is
an extraordinary tomb on seven feet.Built
before 1850, as the use of cut stones became
widespread in Madagascar, this mysterious
tomb draws the attention of those who take the ational
Road o.1 to the west of the capital.
According to legend, two brothers once lived here. One
was poor and had seven children, while the other was rich
but had none. When the rich brother died, the ceremonies
were grandiose.
But when the second brother died, his children decided
to perpetuate their father's memory by building a tomb
because they could not organize large ceremonies. Seven
stones supporting a slab (fandriana or farafara) of 2 m by
1 m are a symbol of the seven children's homage to their
father.
The tomb derives its uniqueness not from the materials
but rather from the arrangement of its elements. Usually,
the columns or tsangambato are decorative but those of the
tomb of Ampasamanantongotra have tiles that serve as the
ceiling of the burial chamber, where the body usually rests.
Beautiful cut stones (rarivato), complete the assemblage.
Built before 1850, as the
use of cut stones became
widespread in Madagascar
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