The Filanjana, an ancient means of transportation for Malagasy nobles

The filanjana was the means of transportation for the nobles during the era of the Malagasy monarchy and French colonization. It symbolized an individual's status, nobility, and wealth, and was also an excellent means of transport when paved roads were nonexistent.

Sedan Chair, Palanquin, Filanjana

The filanjana belongs to the family of sedan chairs, which already existed in ancient Egypt and during the reign of the Han dynasty (206 to 220 AD). They were used during religious festivals or official ceremonies to transport the sovereign and the gods. In Madagascar, palanquins were introduced by the Zafiraminia, a group of Muslim settlers who arrived on the island in the 12th or 13th century from the southeast coast. The filanjana consists of a narrow seat covered with leather and equipped with two long poles. Its use was reserved for members of the royal family, army leaders, notable individuals, and the elite of judges. It is possible to see some in the Photography Museum (Anjoy – Antananarivo) in the photo series titled "A Brief History of Transportation in Madagascar: from ‘Filanjana’ to Hovercraft." This exhibition is available until April 2019.

The Borizano: Filanjana bearers

There were two types of bearers, known as borizano (or bourjanes) or maromita, specifically those who were specialized in transporting passengers (mpilanja) and those who were hired to transport goods (mpaka entana or mpitondra entana). These were strong, young men destined for this job. They loved their work despite the fatigue and dangers, and always regretted leaving their post. Naturally cheerful and good-natured, they took it upon themselves to never let the occupant of the filanjana descend, no matter how difficult the path. They wore an akanjo (a type of shirt) over their loincloth, a lamba (piece of white cloth) wrapped around their waist. For long journeys, they stored a spoon, some provisions, and a change of clothes in a pocket behind their akanjo. They wore a hat, which also served as a plate and a water filter. Additionally, they carried the essential items for the road: a rosary strung with amulets, offering protection against various dangers, including crocodiles. (The Malagasy Panama, Christine Ranarivelo – Editions Harmattan)

An adapted means of transport

Before French colonization, the Merina monarchs intentionally closed the roads between the Center and the coast to prevent invasion by the French and the English. The existing paths were difficult to access and changed according to rainfall, riverbeds, and other climatic hazards. In the complete absence of paved roads, the filanjana was the ideal means of transportation.