Andasy Merine

Andasy Merine lies in western Madagascar, in the Menabe and Boina country where the Sakalava kingdoms ruled over the dry western plains and the coast. The land is dry and open, with rivers crossing the grassland and the forests thinning toward the sea. Villages farmed the valleys, herded cattle on the plains and fished along the coast.

Sakalava power grew through kingdoms including Menabe and Iboina, whose rulers came from branches of the Maroserana dynasty. Menabe emerged before 1600 in the Morondava region, and a later succession dispute helped establish Iboina farther north. Rulers incorporated local leaders through the ceremonial bond known as fatidra, creating alliances across a broad territory.