Ritual and Politics in Sakalava Colonial History

FAIN: FT-13779-78

Gillian Feeley-Harnik
Regents of the University of Michigan (Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1015)

To study the historical development of the divine monarchy of the Sakalava of Western Madagascar. The object of this research is to acquire an understanding of the colonial history and politico-religious organization of the Sakalava. More general questions involving the conceptualization of power and authority, the use of ritual in political affairs, the political use of space and the political significance of sex and death.