The handover of King Toera's skull, along with those of two other members of his court, occurred at Paris' culture ministry. These remains were taken to France at the end of the 19th century and held in the Museum of Natural History. French Culture Minister Rachida Dati highlighted that these skulls entered collections during a time of colonial violence, emphasizing their historical context. This ceremony exemplifies how pressure from King Toera's descendants and Madagascar's government has fostered a dialogue around repatriation, addressing a wound that has lingered for over a century. Despite the lack of DNA evidence confirming the identity of the skull, the confirmation came from traditional mediums upholding cultural ties to the past. Minister Volamiranty Donna Mara noted that this return is a significant step for the nation, closing a chapter of unresolved historical grievances.
France Returns Skulls of Malagasy Rulers to Madagascar
France Returns Skulls of Malagasy Rulers to Madagascar
In a historic gesture, France has returned the skull of King Toera, a Malagasy monarch killed during colonial conflicts, alongside two other royal remains. The ceremony marks a corrective step towards reconciling with Madagascar's colonial past.
France has returned the skull of King Toera, a Malagasy king killed during a colonial-era conflict, to Madagascar in a formal ceremony held in Paris. This significant act marks the first application of a new French law aimed at facilitating the return of human remains taken during the colonial era. The repatriation has been driven by the descendants of King Toera and reflects efforts to address historical injustices.
