ANTAIMORO

Early traders arrived in the southern part of Madagascar in the 15th century and intermarried with the local Malagasy people. As a result, the Antaimoro was born; their name means ""People of the coast."" Although these ancestors were Muslims, they were not part of the Swahili groups that influenced the northwest of the country; rather, these early traders are thought to be of Yemen or southeastern Ethiopian origin.

Antaimoro culture has made a unique contribution to the overall Malagasy culture: a number of sacred writings called the Sorabe, meaning ""great writings."" While the text is in Malagasy, the script is in Arabic. A largely religious content in nature, these writings dwell on subjects such as magic, divination, astrology, medicine, amulets, and geomancy. It gave possessors of these writings great prestige. The Sorabe also contains historical accounts of the aristocratic clans and contacts with early European settlers. Having been specialists in divination and astrology, Antaimoro scribes were often employed by leaders of other people groups for fortune telling, advisory services, or even for the casting of spells.

Today, Antaimoro society is still divided into castes. Upper clans claim direct descent from the early Asian settlers. Specific functions and tasks are given to various age groups. As a person gets older, he grows in status as well.

Being mainly agriculturalists, the Antaimoro grows crops such as rice and various fruit. Fish and bread also form part of their basic diet. Shelter is in the form of palm branch and wood structures. The Antaimoro is also well-known for their straw crafts such as straw hats.

In the past, when twins were born, one of them would be deserted. Fortunately, this practice isn't followed as strictly any more.

Aristocratic Antaimoro clans wear the turban and the fez, refraining from eating pork. Although their forefathers were Muslims and they follow an animistic form of Islam, the Antaimoro are unfamiliar with the terms Allah and Koran. Aspects such as prayer and the annual pilgrimage to Mecca are unknown to the Antaimoro as well. Furthermore, they know that Mohammed was a prophet, but not the prophet. Spirits of the dead are considered to be part of the community."

• Country: Madagascar
• Population (Year): 14.1 million (1995)
• Major Religion: Christian
• Percent Christian: 52.7%
• Percent Evangelical: 6.3%
• Openness to missionaries: Open"

1. HAVE THEY HEARD THE GOSPEL?

Who is Jesus Christ to them?

3.3% Believe Jesus is the Son of God 20% Have never heard His Name

2. HAVE THEY RESPONDED TO THE GOSPEL?

Believers to population: 1 believer to every 30 persons (total believers: 13 926)(3.3%)

3. DO THEY HAVE A CHURCH?

Churches to population: 1 church for every 105 500 persons (total churches: 4)

4. DOES THIS PEOPLE HAVE THE WORD OF GOD TRANSLATED INTO THEIR MOTHER TONGUE?

The Bible is available in Malagasy. Even though the Antaimoro speaks a different dialect, they do understand Malagasy.

5. ANY HINDRANCES TO SCRIPTURE DISTRIBUTION?

No.

6. WHAT OTHER FORMS OF GOSPEL PRESENTATIONS ARE AVAILABLE?

Literature: Malagasy gospel tracts

Radio: FEBA Radio broadcasts 3.5 hours per week in Malagasy
Trans World Radio broadcasts 1.75 hours per week in Malagasy

7. ARE THEY RECEPTIVE TO CHANGE AND TO CHRISTIANITY?

The Antaimoro are somewhat open to Christianity.

8. DO THEY REQUIRE OUTSIDE (CROSS-CULTURAL) ASSISTANCE?

Yes, the church needs vision and leaders need to be raised and trained."