HISTORY OF MADAGASCAR. 
399 
It is difficult to answer the inquiry of what shape and 
appearance are the national idols of the Malagasy; because, 
so far from their being publicly exhibited, it is considered 
impious to endeavour to obtain a sight of them. The 
only one of which we have any correct information, was 
that seen by Mr. Jeffries at Ambohimanga; it was a 
piece of wood cut into a rough imitation of the human 
figure. Probably, as the national appear to be derived 
from the household gods, they may, like them, assume 
an endless variety of forms. The general opinion of the 
natives is, that most of them are of the human shape, and 
vary from half a foot to a foot in length. They cannot be 
much more, as the cases in which they are kept are 
generally not more than a foot long. Some are supposed to 
be mere blocks of no definite shape, and others imitations 
of animals. Rafanonela is said to be an insect, or to be 
manufactured in the shape of one, and to be about the size 
of the silkworm. 
But as no strangers are permitted to approach the 
houses in which these idols are kept, little opportunity is 
afforded for seeing of what materials they are composed, 
or what may be their appearance and figure. When 
carried in public, the idol is usually borne by one person, 
and seems to be a small image wrapped in a red cloth, 
and affixed to a pole for the convenience of the bearer, and 
for the purpose of making a greater impression upon the 
awe-stricken populace. The people, however, are strictly 
forbidden to gaze. Curiosity would be an offence. The 
leader carries a spear at the head of the company, and 
directs the people to retire out of the public road while 
the idol is carried by. The cloth of red velvet which 
covers the idol, is presented by the sovereign, a new 7 one 
being given occasionally as the old one becomes too shabby 
