The Betsileo People in Madagascar
The Betsileo regions showcase their contrasting landscapes in the south of Imerina. Its rugged and secluded relief, sometimes wooded, sometimes bare and full of Lavaka, culminates at the Pic Boby (2,658 m) in the Andringitra Massif.
Like in Imerina, the remnants of fortified villages cling to the mountain peaks. Rice fields, patiently laid out over centuries using techniques imported from Asia, line the valley floors and spread on slopes with a gradient of almost 300 m.
Coming from the east coast, visitors are supposed to… Betsileo (“Many Invincibles”) assimilated the Vazimba before forming four kingdoms. The Arindrano in the south, the Lalangina in the center, the Isandra in the west, and the Manandriana in the north.
Around 1750, under the rule of Andriampanalina I, Isandra asserted its economic superiority over the other three kingdoms, but failed to achieve a lasting political unity among the Betsileo. Weakened by internal divisions, the land came under the rule of the Merina at the end of the 18th century. Today, it is an important agricultural center (rice, tea, and vineyards).
AMBOSITRA (PK 258 of RN 7 – 90 km south of Antsirabe)
Ambositra rises Located at an altitude of 1,345 meters, Ambositra-Taloha was once a lush and flourishing area. The village got its name (“where there are many castrated zebus”) from the importance of its livestock in the 17th and 18th centuries. The region is rich in resources, including livestock farming and agriculture (rice, corn, cassava, sugarcane), as well as significant mining deposits such as copper, gold, iron, lead, nickel, asbestos, and limestone.
Ambositra fiercely resisted Prince Rakoto’s army, the future Radama II. Explore more about the monarchies and kingdoms in Madagascar here. Check out this image of carts in Fianarantsoa. At the end of an attack that cost the life of King Betsileo Mpanalina, Merina troops turned the houses to ashes and their inhabitants into slaves.
From this first village, Ambositra-Taloha, located 3 km southwest of the present-day city, the defensive ditches, the narrow natural gate made of large rocks, the main square, and the tomb of the ancient kings have been preserved.
The Regional Museum Tompon’Anarana (“the one who bears his name well”)
The faithfully reconstructed royal house of Betsileo with its ox park showcases a collection of ancient objects and minerals.
Vinany
After the annexation of the region, the Merina family established a garrison near the ruins of Ambositra. In the place called Vinany (“confluence”), Vinany has been the home of the Merina administration since the 19th century, the former colonial administration and today’s authorities. In this residential area, you can see two sublime stones that differ greatly in their ornamentation: one is dedicated to the great rulers of Ambositra, the Mpanalina, and the other commemorates the proclamation of national independence on June 26, 1960.
Ambositra, capital of woodcraft
Ambositra is famous for its craftsmanship. Rabans (tablecloths, carpets, necklaces, bags…) with colorful 
patterns. Geometric patterns, basketry (mats, baskets, hats…) and above all carpentry and marquetry.
In numerous workshops and stores, true treasures are displayed, the result of a longstanding tradition: jewelry boxes made of precious woods (ebony, rosewood, mahogany) and other inlaid works, dishes, jewelry, honey pots, all chiseled with geometric, botanical, and animal motifs.
Many of these objects are the work of sculptors from Zafimaniry, who work in their village in the forest.
The surroundings of Ambositra – Mount Antety (1863 m)
To the west of Ambositra, a beautiful panorama of the plain and its cultures unfolds. The road to Andina (17 km southwest) offers breathtaking views of The terraced rice fields, nestled between pine forests and rugged cliffs as far as the eye can see.
Zafimaniry Villages
When visiting the Zafimaniry villages, one can fully appreciate the talent of these woodcarvers. The “descendants of those who wish” live in the Tanala forest east of Ambositra and strive to preserve their traditions.
Their houses, all made of wood and plant materials, are true works of art with their window shutters and walls carved with geometric patterns.
The 
Best accessible villages – and therefore the most touristy – are Antoetra (28 km from Ivato) and Ambohimitombo (32 km from Imerina-Imady). From there, forest paths lead on foot to other communities such as Ifasina (4 km from Antoetra), Ankidodo (8 km), Faliarivo (22 km). In addition to good hiking gear, this journey requires the presence of a guide (inquire at hotels, artisans, or the authorities of Ambositra).
Memorial Monuments
In the Betsileo region, and especially in the Ambositra area, three types of memorial sites exist side by side: the Vatolahy (sublime stones of different sizes found throughout the highlands), the Teza, and the. Tatao: Traditional Wooden Grave Markers in Madagascar
Tatao are wooden grave markers made of hardwood, square or rectangular in cross-section (30 to 40 cm on each side), 1.50 to 4 m high, usually carved with geometric motifs on all four sides.
Tatao are cone-shaped stone monuments, 30 to 50 cm high. Most of these monuments are erected near graves and dedicated to the memory of a relative whose body has not yet been transferred to the family tomb.
They are also used to honor important individuals. People and events in family or regional history are commemorated. According to tradition, every traveler who encounters a Tatao on their way must add a stone to the building. This tribute to ancestors is believed to bring luck.
The Beautiful Bedia
On the advice of the fortune-teller astrologer Itsivalaka, Andriampanalina I, ruler of Isandra, decided to offer a human sacrifice to strengthen his throne and ensure the success of his conquests. According to Itsivalaka, a woman had to be chosen and buried alive. The news, it is said, struck fear into the population until the beautiful Bedia sacrificed herself for the good of Andriampanalina and her kingdom. As a victim offered. She was buried in her best clothes in Mahazoarivo, the capital. The royal palace and its outbuildings have disappeared. Only the tomb of the beautiful Bedia reminds of the rich hours of Isandra.
“One does not finish a work started with silk with bast.”
Proverb from Madagascar
