BUFFALO TYPICAL OF MAJESTY. 273 



Mr. Richardson says that the following curious notion in 

 connection with oxen exists in some parts of the country : — 

 " The top of a large ant-hill is frequently taken off and thrown 

 at the rump of an ox that persists in returning to the town 

 where it has been bought, and it is a belief firmly held by 

 the cattle dealers that the animal will never return to its 

 former owner after the operation." 



The buffalo, being by far the largest and most powerful 

 land animal known to the Malagasy, is continually used in 

 their poetical and figurative language as the emblem and 

 embodiment of strength and majesty, much as the bull was 

 employed by the ancient Assyrians, and the lion by Western 

 Asiatic and European nations. Thus, the kings were saluted as 

 Onibelahy, " bulls ; " and the same expression frequently occurs 

 in forms of benediction at the circumcision and other festivities. 

 In some tribes the chief is saluted as Biby, a word usually 

 meaning " animal " or " living creature," but probably intended 

 as a figurative way of saying that he possesses all the power 

 of the noblest animal forms. Bull-fighting was formerly a 

 favourite Malagasy amusement, and numerous charms were 

 used to make a favourite animal victorious."" 



In the rejoicings connected with the ceremonies at the 

 circumcision the ox has a prominent place. In the songs 

 which are sung the animal is called by a special name, 

 Vbrihangy , instead of the common name, bmby. And every 

 portion of the animal is apportioned to a particular person ; 

 every one taking part in the slaughter of the ox having his 

 proper share, as well as the old, the newly-delivered, the 

 visitors, &c. This song is a kind of chant, with a chorus 

 which is repeated at the end of every line, while the name 

 of the ox (vbrihangy) is also repeated in every stanza, 

 Thus, leaving out the repetitions, the horns, the hoofs, the 

 tongue, the ears and eyes of the animal, are each celebrated 

 as having their special office ; while the brain is the share of 

 the newly-delivered, the head to the beater of the drum, the 

 neck to the owner of the axe, the hump to the children 



* In digging out the foundations for a new palace gateway, a few years ago, 

 the remains of one of the former Queen's fighting hulls were discovered, care- 

 fully wrapped up in a red lamba. 



S 



