CattleCattle have special significance for nearly all Malagasy. Cattle symbolize the link between the living and the ancestors, and are sacrificed in rituals. Cattle are also used for meat, milk, and pulling French-style oxcarts. Most cattle in Madagascar are zebu (Bos indicus).GoatsGoats are a better investment than cattle in many economic ways-- they reproduce faster, they are difficult to steal, and killing one goat puts less of a dent in your wealth than killing one cow. However, the social significance of goat wealth is considered secondary to cattle.PoultryCommon poultry include chickens, turkeys, guinea fowl, and ducks. Faly (taboo) animalsIndividuals involved in spirit possession, or clans protected with special magic (aoly) are usually faly for chicken. Most Mikea are faly for sheep and pigs. |
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