Ampasamanantongotra - The Elevated Tomb

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 National Road No.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 2m by 1m 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.