HUVA, the name originally applied to the middle-class Ma layo-Indonesian natives of Madagascar (q.v.), as distinct from the noble class Andriana and the slave class Andevo. Hova now means the most numerous and powerful of the tribes of the native population of Madagascar. The Hova occupy the province of Imerina, the central plateau of the island, are of Malayo-Indone sian origin. They seem to have arrived four centuries ago but there may have been earlier migrations from Indonesia. The Hova are short and slim, with a complexion of a yellowish olive, many being fairer than the average of southern Europeans. Their hair is long, black and smooth but coarse. Their heads are round, with flat straight foreheads, flat faces, prominent cheekbones, small straight noses, fairly wide nostrils, and small black and slightly oblique eyes. Among the lower classes, there is a tend ency to thick lips, kinky hair and dark skin. In many of their customs, such as taboo, infanticide, marriage and funeral rites, they show their Indonesian origin. Most of them now profess Christianity.
See Van Genep, Tabou et Totemisme en Malgache.