Controversy over the return by France of a Malagasy “crown”

Queen Ranavalona III who ruled Madagascar at the end of the 19th century. Public domain

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The Malagasy authorities officially request the return by France of the crown of the last queen of the Big Island, Ranavalona III, who ruled at the end of the 19th century. While the country was annexed by France in 1896, the sovereign was deposed the following year and exiled. She died in Algiers in 1917. A restitution project was under way, but it was canceled.

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In a letter to the French president dated February 20, 2020, President Andry Rajoelina asked for "  the restitution of the royal crown  " of Ranavalona III, "as  well as all of the Malagasy cultural property present on French territory  ". "  It is time for the Madagascans to reclaim their history and its symbols,  " said the head of state.

A crown that is not one

According to the journalist and art historian Didier Rykner, who investigated the subject, the object of which the Madagascan president speaks is not a crown, but the top of the queen's throne, made of zinc and fabrics. The queen's real crown, in gold, was stolen from Antananarivo in 1991.

Joined by RFI, the Minister of Communication and Culture, Lalatiana Rakotondrazafy admits that the crown claimed is not one. But whatever, what matters is the symbol. It is a matter of national identity.

Antananarivo demands full restitution

The object was expected for Independence Day on June 26. But when he had already left the Army Museum in Paris where he was kept, ready to fly to the Grande Île, the Malagasy authorities decided to stop everything.

► To read also: What concrete acts in the restitution of works of art to Africa?

According to Lalatiana Rakotodrazafy, the agreement with France was not satisfactory. French law only allows temporary restitution for the moment. In fact, a very long term loan. Legislation was expected to change, but with the health and economic crisis, this is no longer on the agenda. However, on the Malagasy side, we want a full and complete restitution. Negotiations are still underway, according to the Madagascan minister.

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  • Madagascar
  • France
  • Heritage
  • History

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