Bara people

The Bara people are a Malagasy ethnic group living in the southern part of the central plateaus of Madagascar, in the Toliara Province, concentrated around their historic capital at Ihosy. They are the largest group of people on the island who raise zebu cattle and have traditionally lived a semi-nomadic lifestyle, though many now also work in farming.

Bara society is traditionally led by men, and certain groups among them practice arrangements where one man may have more than one wife. Young men often show their bravery through activities involving cattle, and a musical and dance tradition called kilalaky, linked to these activities, has become popular across the whole island.

In the past, the Bara were organized into many small kingdoms led by nobles from the Zafimanely family. By the late 1700s, they were mostly united under one king, but later split again. During the 1800s, the Bara grew wealthier and more powerful through trading and raising cattle, even as they remained divided into different groups. This strength helped them stay independent from the larger Kingdom of Imerina and resist French control for almost ten years after Madagascar was colonized in 1896. A well-known leader in Madagascar’s independence in 1960, Andre Resampa, came from the Bara group. In the year 2000, there were about 520,000 Bara people, making up roughly three percent of Madagascar’s population, and they remain the main herders and traders of zebu cattle on the island.

Ethnic identity

The Bara people are one of the groups in Madagascar with roots from the Bantu people. They mainly live in the southern part of the central plateaus of Madagascar, especially around the areas of Ihosy and Betroka in the Toliara Province. In the year 2000, it was estimated that about 520,000 people identified as Bara.

History

The Bara people have a long history that started near the Ihosy River in southwest Madagascar. Early leaders came from the Sakalava people, and their rule was often unstable. Around 1640, a leader from the Mahafaly people took control, but many Bara people moved away because they did not agree with this rule.

Later, around 1800, a new leader named Raikitroka brought peace and new rules. After his death, the Bara split into many smaller kingdoms. Even though they became richer through trade, they remained independent from other groups like the Merina.

When the French colonized Madagascar in 1896, they ended the old Bara kingdoms. Some Bara people fought against the French, which made relations difficult. Later, a Bara leader named Andre Resampa helped form a political party and worked to revive local government traditions before Madagascar gained independence in 1960.

Society

The Bara people have many groups based on shared ancestors, forming five main tribes. The largest tribes are the Bara-Be, Bara-Imamono, and Bara-Ianstsantsa, along with smaller groups like the Vinda and Antivondro. They are known for herding zebu and live around their historic capital in Ihosy. Their community life follows strong rules, but these have changed over time.

Bara society is led by men, and some families have more than one wife. Men and women have different roles in their homes and communities. Men work on the land, build homes, and discuss important matters, while women grow crops, prepare food, and care for the family. Traditional beliefs are still important to many Bara people, who respect special trees and hold ceremonies to honor their ancestors.

Culture

The Bara people have many special traditions. They used to make agreements by mixing blood, called fatidra. Their homes are made from red earth because of the iron in the soil. In winter, they dry maize under their house roofs to store, sell, or plant later.

Bara culture values courage, especially for men. Long ago, kings had to lead battles and face danger first. Cattle raiding was an important tradition for young men to prove bravery and earn respect. Today, some people still raid cattle, but it is against the law. Zebu wrestling is a popular sport where boys try to ride angry zebu cows.

The Bara love storytelling and have simple but powerful stories. They are also known for their dances and wooden statues with long eyelashes made from real hair.

Traditionally, Bara women made clothes from cotton they grew themselves. They also made clothes from silk or bark. Men and women dressed differently, and many wore special charms for protection.

Fady

The Bara follow many fady, or ancestral rules, that guide their daily lives. Some rules say you must carry loads with others, or never share dishes with someone else. It is also forbidden to step over someone or brush against their clothing.

Funeral rites

The Bara bury their dead in natural caves, especially in a sacred area called Isalo National Park. When a person dies, the family cuts their hair to show sadness. The Bara believe the spirits of the dead stay nearby, so villages sometimes move after a death.

Dance and music

Bara dances often copy the movements of the zebu they raise. One dance, called karitaky, mimics a zebu kicking. Another popular dance, kilalaky, is performed in a line and comes from cattle raiders. They play music with instruments like the lokanga, a three-string fiddle.

Language

The Bara people speak Bara Malagasy, which is a version of the Malagasy language. This language belongs to the Malayo-Polynesian language group and comes from the Barito languages, spoken in southern Borneo.

Economy

The Bara people mainly raise and sell zebu cattle, which is very important to them. In recent years, more of them have also started farming crops like rice, cassava, millet, and maize. Traditionally, they would plant rice when a special bird, called kibodolo, arrived.

The Bara also sold cattle to places like South Africa, especially after problems there affected their herds. This helped them become more independent and stronger in defending their land. Some Bara people also grew a special tree that helped produce silk, which they used for clothes or sold to others.