France Returns Skull of King Beheaded During Colonial Era to Madagascar

September 1, 2025

France has returned three Sakalava skulls to Madagascar, including one believed to be that of King Toera who was executed by French troops in 1897 after colonization. This repatriation marks the first implementation of a 2023 French law allowing human remains to be returned for funeral purposes. The skulls had been kept in France's National Museum of Natural History collections for over 128 years before being formally handed over in a ceremony.

Who is affected

The Sakalava people of Madagascar (representing nearly a third of the Malagasy population)
The people of Madagascar, particularly the Sakalava community of Menabe
Madagascar's cultural heritage and historical memory
The families and descendants of King Toera and the two generals

What action is being taken

France is returning three skulls to Madagascar, including the presumed remains of King Toera
A joint Malagasy-French Committee of Researchers is working on the identification of the skulls
Madagascar plans to rebury the skulls in Menabe, western Madagascar
France is implementing its 2023 law enabling the return of human remains for funeral purposes

Why it matters

The return addresses an "open wound" that has existed for 128 years in Madagascar
It represents not just the repatriation of human remains but the return of part of Madagascar's history and memory
It allows the Malagasy people to properly honor their historical figures and heritage
The repatriation is significant for Madagascar's national identity and dignity, particularly for the Sakalava people
It represents a step in addressing the colonial legacy between France and Madagascar

What's next

The skulls will be reburied in Menabe, in western Madagascar

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint