402 
HISTORY OF MADAGASCAR. 
the wars, to inspire their devotees with courage, and to 
render them invulnerable and victorious. 
The names of the principal idols are as follow: 
8 Rabehaza. 
9 Ravalolona. 
10 Rafohitanana. 
11 Razanaharitsimandry. 
T2 Ralehifotsy. 
13 Ralehimalemalema. 
14 Ratsislmba. 
1 Rakelimalaza * 
2 Ramahavalv. 
3 Rainanjakatsiroa. 
4 Rafantaka. 
5 Ramanjaibola. 
6 Rafaroratra. 
7 Ratsimahavaly. 
15 Ralandremo. 
Of these fifteen, the two most important are the first 
named: Rakelimalaza and Ramahavaly. These are regarded 
as having in some way entrusted to them the charge of the 
welfare, dignity, and interests of the kingdom at large. 
The residence of Rakelimalaza is about seven miles to 
the east of Tananarivo, at a village called Ambohimanam- 
bola, or, the village of money. This village is divided into 
two parts, north and south, and situated on the summit of 
a hill, which, according to the custom of the country in 
such cases, frequently assumes the name of the village. 
The whole of this hill is considered sacred ground. The 
name of the idol signifies, “renowned, although dimi¬ 
nutive.” 
Within the limits of the ground which is considered 
sacred, and which embraces a wide circumference in the 
immediate vicinity of the idol’s residence, it is strictly 
forbidden to bring, or suffer to come, certain animals and 
certain objects, which are carefully specified by the keepers 
of the idol. Things thus forbidden are called Fady; a 
* The prefix, I, is sometimes used to the names, instead of Ka—Ikelima- 
laza, Imahavaly, &c. 
