54 
Such are the gradations of rank in Madagascar; 
and in tracing the origin of the Zafe Rahimini, we 
have hitherto had some guide to direct us ; but with 
respect to the aborigines, that question is involved in 
the greatest obscurity, and the opinions concerning it 
are almost as various as the persons who have written 
upon the subject: and after all that has been said, 
the entire absence of either authentic records, or 
probable tradition, leaves the matter still open to 
discussion. It is not our province to reconcile the 
conflicting opinions, much less to make a decision, 
when others, far better qualified for the task, both by 
talents and learning, have spoken with diffidence. 
We shall therefore state the leading opinions, with 
the arguments in their favour or against them, and 
then leave the further discussion of the subject for 
some abler pen. 
The origin of the Madegasses, is, by the generality of 
It asserts, that the Creator of heaven and earth drew from 
the body of the first man, while he was asleep, seven women, 
from whom the seven tribes descended. 
The mother of the Rhoandrians was extracted from the brain 
of the first man. 
That of the Anacandrians from his neck—and the Ontzatsi 
from his shoulder. 
The Voadziri were derived from her who came out of his 
right side, while in a deep sleep. 
The mother of the Lohavohitz sprung from the thigh. 
That of the Ontzoafrom the calf of the leg. 
The poor Ondeves were, from the beginning, destined to be 
trodden down by their brethren. Their first mother was ex¬ 
tracted from the sole of the foot of the first man! ! 
