value of his ancestors. But above all, there is the obligation to have relevant arguments in order to convince your future in-laws. For the Mpikabary of the bride-to-be's family, her role is to have the right arguments to demonstrate that the girl's family is valuable. The capacity of these Mpikabary reflects the image of each family. The peculiarity of "kabary am-panamabadiana" is the listing of the names of the ancestors of each family to verify and clarify the existence or not of a relationship between them. It also helps to learn about the history of families. During this speech-making game, there will be a donation of money to the suitor's future in-laws. In all, there are at least three envelopes to offer (for the parents, for the brothers, as well as for the uncles of his future wife). The money offered has symbolic meaning to make up for the young girl's absence from the family. At the end of the Kabarian tradition, to relax the atmosphere after long speeches, all present gather around a hearty meal. Once the traditional marriage is over, the two young people are considered married in the eyes of the whole family and of society. The young girl can then return with her in-laws. Sometimes it happens that the two families cannot come to an agreement and the marriage is postponed or simply annulled. In this case, it is a shame for the family of the young suitor. Each ethnic group has its own particularity during this marriage even if there is more resemblance than difference. Death and succession Andriamanelo ruled until his death at an advanced age around 1575 and was succeeded by his only surviving son, Ralambo. He was buried in Alasora in an earthen ditch. According to oral tradition, the placement of his tomb may have been to the south-east of the royal compound rather than to the north as was customary. This anomaly may have been intended to symbolically indicate Andriamanelo's "otherness" as a man of mixed ethnic background. A similar tomb to the north of the Alasora compound may have been that of Andriamanelo's mother. These two earthen tombs are considered the oldest known royal-style tombs in Imerina. References Bibliography Further reading History of Madagascar African monarchs Malagasy monarchs Date of birth unknown Year of birth unknown Founding monarchs