Banknote Madagascar 500 Ariary - Man weaving basket - Animals - 2004

The 500 Ariary banknote from Madagascar, issued in 2004, features a craft scene on its obverse. It depicts a basket weaver working on a basket, located on the left side of the banknote. In the center, a shop displays a variety of handicrafts, including bags, hats, and baskets. The scene is complemented by inscriptions in Latin, indicating the issuing institution, BANKY FOIBEN'I MADAGASIKARA (Central Bank of Madagascar), as well as the face value of the banknote, DIMAN-JATO ARIARY (five hundred Ariary).

The reverse of the banknote illustrates a Malagasy rural scene. A herdsman is depicted with his herd of zebus, emblematic animals of Madagascar. As on the obverse, inscriptions in Latin also appear on this side of the banknote.

The watermark integrated into the banknote features a zebu head, accompanied by the electrotype '500', reflecting the face value. The dimensions of the banknote are 132 millimeters in length by 66 millimeters in width.

This banknote is a testament to the economic and cultural life of Madagascar at the beginning of the 21st century, highlighting both traditional crafts and the importance of livestock farming in the country.