Navigating New Frontiers: The Beronono Bara of Madagascar and the emergence of tourism in the Highlands

This thesis examines the complex interaction between indigenous identity, cultural representation and tourism in the Beronono Bara community of the Makay Massif region of Madagascar. Initially motivated by an archaeological interest in the region's ancient cave paintings, the research developed into an anthropological exploration of how the Beronono Bara engage with and navigate the emerging tourism landscape.

The central issue addressed in this study is the common assumption that tourism leads to the erosion or commodification of indigenous cultures. Contrary to this point of view, the Beronono Bara see tourism as an opportunity to assert their cultural autonomy and self-representation. The research explores how the Bara negotiate the tensions between preserving cultural traditions and accepting the economic benefits of tourism while confronting historical marginalisation in Malagasy society.

The research methodology is rooted in participant observation, ethnographic fieldwork and a reflexive examination of the author's position. This reflexive approach highlights the duality of researcher experience and the evolving nature of ethnographic research. The researcher's immersive experiences among the Bara and interviews and observations provided insight into the community's strategies for managing tourism on their own terms. Representational devices, such as thematic boxes, help capture the fluidity and complexity of Bara's experiences, providing a reflexive and nuanced narrative.

The research reveals that the Bara are not only subjects of tourism but actively participate in its production, using it as a tool of cultural preservation and empowerment. The research concludes that Bara's approach to tourism challenges the dominant discourse of cultural commodification, instead emphasising the potential of Indigenous communities to use tourism as a means of self-determination and identity reinforcement. This thesis contributes to the anthropology of tourism demonstrating how marginalised communities can navigate and strengthen the forces of globalisation in ways that align with their cultural values and aspirations.