Madagascar, the fourth largest island of the world, has got a rich cultural heritage. The tradition of the indigenous people of the island is the major source of various kinds of
Madagascar arts and entertainment.
Each and every thing in Madagascar is enriched by a touch of their artistic skill. Performing arts like music and dance continue to be an integral part of their life.
The indigenous people used to produce cotton, silk and raffia textiles, which were an essential part of Madagascar art. Some of the clothes were believed to have supernatural power. A cloth called laimasaka was quite famous.
They used impressive pieces of cloths to make tents and room dividers. Decorated cloths were used as ceremonial dresses. They were also used as burial shrouds. The most famous textile called Lamba mena was made from wild silkworm. These wonderful artifacts of the past can be seen in the National Museum of African Art.
The modes of entertainment in Madagascar have changed after the country came under French colonial power. Presently, the Western influences have a prominent place in the popular modes of Madagascar entertainment.
Thus other than practicing indigenous music people prefer to go to the discotheques, night clubs etc. Madagascar arts and entertainment have become a perfect blend of the indigenous culture with Western culture.
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