Crocodiles and villagers

What means Nosin’ampela?

The descent of the Tsiribihina River is an epic adventure that offers a unique insight into the coexistence between villagers and crocodiles. This journey along the river highlights the challenges and benefits of living alongside these formidable predators. Residents of the riverside villages navigate cautiously, aware of the imminent danger, but also of the vital importance of the river in their daily lives.

As they journey along the Tsiribihina, travelers discover the abundance of aquatic life and the richness of natural resources that the river provides. Crocodiles, as dominant predators, play a crucial role in the ecological balance of this ecosystem. Their imposing presence reminds visitors of the need to respect nature and coexist harmoniously with it.

Yet, despite the risks involved, the lives of the riverside dwellers are intimately tied to the Tsiribihina. Daily activities such as fishing, rice cultivation, and water supply are closely dependent on this majestic waterway. Villagers derive their livelihood from its generous waters, while remaining aware of the potential dangers posed by crocodiles.

Ultimately, the descent of the Tsiribihina reveals the complexity of the relationship between humans and nature. Villagers navigate with respect and caution, mindful of the risks involved, but also grateful for the blessings that this sacred river bestows upon them. This unforgettable experience speaks to the beauty and fragility of our natural world, and the need to preserve these treasures for future generations.

The intrepid hunters who dare to defy the ancestral taboo by venturing onto the banks of the Tsiribihina River to hunt crocodiles invariably meet a grim fate. Despite their bravery and expertise, they are inexorably struck by a series of mysterious and deadly illnesses, the origins of which defy rational explanation.

As soon as they enter these sacred areas, a sense of unease envelops them, as if the spirits of the Sakalava ancestors are attempting to warn them of imminent danger. Hunters experience strange and debilitating symptoms, ranging from persistent headaches to devouring fevers, to inexplicable infections and inexplicable bodily pains.

The rare survivors of these cursed expeditions, horrified witnesses to the tragic consequences of their recklessness, recount terrifying tales of nightmarish visions and malevolent presences lurking in the darkness of the marshes. For them, hunting crocodiles on the Tsiribihina River is not just a risky venture, but an inevitable death sentence, inflicted by the unseen powers that watch over these sacred waters.