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4h ago

Madagascar Receives Three Colonial-Era Skulls Returned by France

The handover marks the first return under France's 2023 law on repatriating human remains.

Security servicemen carry the three Sakalava skulls Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025, in Antananarivo, Madagascar, after they were returned from France where they had been kept for 128 years.(AP Photo/Alexander Joe)
Prince of Menabe Harea Georges Kamamy leads the welcoming ritual of the three colonial-era skulls, including one believed to be that of a Malagasy king killed by French troop, that were held in a Paris museum and returned to Madagascar 128 years after they were taken to France, at Ivato International Airport, near Antananarivo, Madagascar, September 1, 2025. REUTERS/Zo Andrianjafy
Traditional representatives attend the welcoming ritual of the three colonial-era skulls, including one believed to be that of a Malagasy king killed by French troop, that were held in a Paris museum and returned to Madagascar 128 years after they were taken to France, at Ivato International Airport, near Antananarivo, Madagascar, September 1, 2025. REUTERS/Zo Andrianjafy
Traditional representatives attend the welcoming ritual of the three colonial-era skulls, including one believed to be that of a Malagasy king killed by French troop, that were held in a Paris museum and returned to Madagascar 128 years after they were taken to France, at Ivato International Airport, near Antananarivo, Madagascar, September 1, 2025. REUTERS/Zo Andrianjafy

Overview

  • A state ceremony in Antananarivo received the skulls at the Mausoleum of Antananarivo, with President Andry Rajoelina in attendance.
  • A joint France–Madagascar scientific committee authenticated the remains as Sakalava and said the royal attribution to King Toera is presumed.
  • The skulls arrived late Monday and are being taken by road to Ambiky and then to Belo Tsiribihina for an expected burial later this week.
  • The remains had been kept in Paris's national museum after being taken during late 19th‑century French colonial repression.
  • Descendants and historians say the return enables the Sakalava Fitampoha purification ritual and holds significant cultural and political meaning.