The collection of Malagasy proverbs, known as ‘Ohabolan’ny Ntaolo’, was first compiled by W.E. Cousins and J. Parrett. In 1871, 1,477 proverbs were published, and by 1885, the collection grew to 3,818 (or 3,790 according to J.A. Houlder). Between 1894 and 1900, Rev. J.A. Houlder serialized his own collection in the ‘Antananarivo Annual’, listing 945 proverbs. Later editions (1915-1916, 1930, 1957) brought the total to 2,318.
Many of these proverbs use animals as metaphors. The ancestors (Ntaolo) observed animal behavior closely, using it as a mirror to reflect human nature. This is not strictly ‘anthropomorphism’ in the Western sense, but rather a way to use the animal kingdom to illustrate human virtues and vices.
The article highlights various proverbs comparing humans to creatures like eels, cattle, leeches, and owls, illustrating complex human traits through simple animal actions. From the smallest insects to the largest predators, the Malagasy language uses the natural world to provide moral guidance and social commentary, reflecting a deep cultural connection to the environment and the wisdom passed down through generations.
Captured & Published at: 2026-09-21 05:38:54 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/09/ohabolana.html