Sacred wood of Madagascar's Zafimaniry

　　The elaborate tradition, transmitted from one generation to the next, is visible on every construction and object made of wood, even the most ordinary. In 2003, it was proclaimed a masterpiece of oral and intangible heritage by UNESCO. 

　　A few hours on foot from Antoetra, the village of Sakaivo emerges from the mist. Traditional wooden houses are built on both sides of a stream and a few rice paddies. It is said they once covered all the central highlands, where constructions in pisé, cob or brick have now replaced them.

　　Mr. Rakoto, a reputed carpenter, explained that a Zafimaniry house requires three months of work and is assembled only with planks and pegs, without a single nail or other metal hardware.

　　Ⅰ. Complex symbolism

　　On doors and windows you discover the finely chiseled geometric motifs for which the Zafimaniry are famous. The symbolism marked in the wood is in fact a reflection of their beliefs. The spider's web pattern stands for family ties, while the honeycomb represents community life.

　　And that's not all. The houses are actually built in accordance with even more erudite rules. From their orientation in the heart of the village to the lay-out of the only room, it is the entire Malagasy cosmogony that is represented in the four directions, or the four major destinies.