Far from the consumer society, a thousand leagues from the abundance of toys, Malagasy children have the chance to play with everything, and even with almost “anything”.
A few pebbles, 2 minimums, the conversation between the characters (pebbles) can begin.
The dialogue is done by hitting a pebble by another and vice versa.
And off we go for hours of melodramatic stories, tragic stories, love stories, comedy, etc. The only limit is the child's imagination.
Often, the subjects addressed are the problems that the child encounters within his home and/or his entourage (village, neighborhood, school, even his region or his country).
It is the "Tantara vato", translate, scene, story, and as a character, pebbles.
It can be played solo, in pairs or in groups. It is mainly young girls who practice it.
- in Andranomanelatra Antsirabe.
Photo of Rakotondrasoa Nintsy Dino.
A last remark which is not insignificant is that these little plays were not to be done in full view and with the knowledge of everyone, the mothers did not let the little girls go to the courtyards of the other houses of fear that the little secrets of the home will be exposed. Indeed, everything that happens in the house is transcribed verbally and in gestures by the directors. Which is unfortunate, like all the cultures of the world, the history of “Stone story” is in decline, our little hands are now busy tapping a phone screen to perpetuate this richness of our heritage.
Guides 03/19/2016
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