 These ombiasy also often trained the spiritual leaders of other communities, further reinforcing the preeminence of the Matitana ombiasy as masters of arcane knowledge and those outside their clan who sought to learn or dispense it.The Zafikasimambo used their right to conduct "sombily" (ritual sacrifice) to shape and increasingly control political and economic activities in the area.To end the conflict with the Zafiraminia, they executed as many males of the group as possible and relegated the women and children to restricted areas.