https://doi.org/10.21697/wsp.2025.2.04
The goal of this article is to present the taboo regarding having twins among the Antambahoaka tribe which inhabits the eastern coast of Madagascar. The research is based on: 1. selected data from the literature, 2. original statements from indigenous tribe members collected by the author, 3. observations made during the pastoral work, and 4. observations drawn from the materials provided by aid organizations. The method of this work involves analyzing diverse, mostly unpublished sources, ultimately establishing the origins of the taboo, its contemporary functioning, and identifying possible solutions to the social problem. In the initial section of the article, the author outlines the background, presents the origins of the taboo and the consequences of beliefs that threaten twins. The next parts of the text are devoted to describing ways to counteract the effects of the tribal taboo. According to the author, the particular importance for the changes in the tribe’s mentality have: the formation of the local kings, publicizing individual cases of surviving twins and the pastoral activities of the Catholic Church. One of the proposals is to include the twins into the Sambatra rite of transition and entry into the tranobe tribal home, signifying full entrance into the local community. The article reflects the current situation within the tribe (the existence of the taboo, especially in the rural, traditional environments and under the strong influence of local kings, despite respect for life in Malagasy culture, belief in the origin of the vital force (soul) from the Creator, and the evangelizing mission of the Catholic Church). The findings and conclusions resulting from the collected materials, can form the basis for further research and also have practical value as guidelines for social and pastoral activities.
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