Sahafatra

Sahafatra

Safatra
Total population
129,000 [1]
Regions with significant populations
Madagascar
Languages
Sahafatra
Religion
Traditional beliefs Christianity

The Sahafatra, also known as Safatra, are an ethnic group of Madagascar inhabiting the mountainous part of Atsimo Atsinanana region. ^[2]

Location

The Sahafatra are found mostly in the district of Vondrozo. ^[3]

Recognition

The Sahafatra like the Masikoro, Mikea and the Vorimo aren't included in the 18 officially recognized tribes of Madagascar despite being a full-fledged ethnic group. They are considered as part of Tanala, Antesaka or Bara. ^[4]

History

A letter from De Faye in 1668 mentioned the Sahafatra in a conflict between them and the Antesaka. ^[5]

Sahafatra was one of the malagasy tribes independent from Hova rule ^[6]

They took part in the 1904-1905 revolt against French colonists.

Bibliography

• Earth‑Shakers of Sahafatra: A Study of the People and Land of Sahafatra, Southeast Madagascar. CORE. PDF. Accessed 28 June 2025.

References

1. Joshua Project. "Sahafatra in Madagascar." JoshuaProject.net. Accessed April 30, 2025. https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/14637/MA
2. Didot, Firmin. Encyclopédie moderne: Dictionnaire abrégé des sciences, des lettres, des arts, de l'industrie, de l'agriculture et du commerce, pp. 777–778. 1852.
3. Ravaonirina Mbola Morel, Pierrette (2017). La médecine traditionnelle à Madagascar. Antananarivo: Éditions Ambozontany. p. 36.
4. McLain, R.; Ranjatson, P.; Heidenrich, T.; Rakotonirina, J. M.; Nomenjanahary, A. R. F.; Razafimbelo, N. T. R. (2021). Analyse des textes juridiques et de la littérature sur les systèmes de tenure vivante à Madagascar. pp. 14–15.
5. Grandidier, Alfred. Histoire physique, naturelle et politique de Madagascar, vol. 4, tome premier, p. 194.
6. Deschamps, Hubert. Histoire de Madagascar... (4e éd. revue et complétée). Paris: Berger-Levrault, p. 201, 1972.