HISTORY OF MADAGASCAR. 
413 
domestic joys. Any delusion is eagerly seized which pro¬ 
mises a restoration to this loved spot. 
Manara-mody is, moreover, like many other of the idols, 
supposed to possess very singular powers. He is supposed 
to be able to convert a piece of cloth into a snake; and that 
into a growing plant; and that, again, into other dissimilar 
things. These metamorphoses are performed by the idol- 
keeper, whilst the idol is placed above, wrapped in cloth, 
as if presiding over and performing the wonders. 
Rakapila.—Perhaps the name of this idol signifies, 44 half 
dishevelled,” from his dress or head ornaments. He pro¬ 
fesses to foresee any blight likely to affect the rice, or any 
disease impending over the people; and, by appropriate 
charms, to avert them. For example:—If overwhelming 
rain and lightning are approaching, he proclaims, 44 Kill a 
sheep having red hair, and scatter his bones in the town.” 
Rakapila is a great seller of charms, as a native tradition 
declares — 44 If people desire charms, whatever be the 
charm, and against whatever evil, they can fetch from 
Rakapila, for he possesses all; whether a charm against the 
gun, the spear, or the cannon, he will supply; whether a 
charm against the fever, the measles, the leprosy, a cold, the 
dropsy, ulcers, tumours, boils, abscesses, the yaws, &c., he 
will supply them all. And whether charms against the 
crocodiles, the locusts, the scorpions, other venomous in¬ 
sects, &c., he will supply. Or if the people seek charms 
for obtaining their desires, he will supply, whether it be a 
charm for getting riches, for rendering successful in busi¬ 
ness, &c., then will Rakapila supply them, for he possesses 
them, and thence it is that people exalt him.” 
Randrano-vola, 44 the silver water,” and Randrano-mena, 
44 the red water.”—These are kept in a village called 
Andraisisa, and are famous for several ridiculous absti- 
