This proverb indicates that black soil does not belong to the spirits or ancestors known as Vazimba, but is normal and cultivable land. In Malagasy culture, the Vazimba are believed to be the island’s first mythical inhabitants and are often associated with sacred or uninhabited territories. This proverb serves as a reminder that not everything has a mystical meaning, and sometimes things are just as they appear. The English equivalent would be: ‘Not everything that glitters is gold.’