418 
HISTORY OF MADAGASCAR. 
divided amongst the multitude, but the chief part of it 
is appropriated by the idol-keeper. 
In many instances, the idols are the direct objects of 
religious worship amongst individuals. They are not only 
solemnly appealed to on public occasions, but there are 
many cases in which people go to them voluntarily, for the 
purpose of supplicating some favour, and on such occasions 
they are honoured, praised, and adored, as the benevolent 
authors of all benefits. A person wishing to obtain some 
favour, solicits it of the idol, accompanying the request 
with a present and a vow. The present is offered to the 
keeper, by whom it is received in the name of the idol, 
and retained for his own benefit. The object of desire is 
explained to the keeper, such as money, safety, or victory 
in war. The keeper repeats the wish or prayer to the idol, 
and states that such an one promises, if the prayer be 
granted, to offer an acknowledgment or thanksgiving—it 
may be a fowl, a sheep, a bullock, or money. If the idol be 
favourable to the petition, a rapid motion of a wisp of 
straw is made by the keeper, as a notification that the peti¬ 
tion is regarded favourably, and that the object of request 
will be granted. If there be no motion of the straw, the 
petition is declined. The promise made of sacrificing to the 
idol, or offering a thanksgiving when the favour is granted, 
is called Voady; and this promise, which is in fact a vow, 
must be fulfilled on the boon being received; such as safe 
return from war, the birth of a child, or prosperity in 
trade. To fulfil the vow, is to bring the offering, and is 
called Manala voady—literally, to fetch away or remove the 
vow. 
The sacrifices and offerings both of the Hovas and Betsi- 
misaraka, are free-will offerings, not compelled by any 
enactment, but given where and when they please. Each 
