Marking a significant event, France has returned three human skulls to Madagascar, one of which is believed to be that of King Toera, a leader of the Sakalava community. In 1897, King Toera was killed by the French army, and his head was severed and taken to Paris. These remains were kept in a Parisian museum for the past 128 years. As part of its imperial expansion, France attacked the Menabe state in western Madagascar in August 1897. This action led to a massive massacre in the Sakalava region. After King Toera was killed, his head was taken to Paris and kept as a colonial ‘trophy’ at the Natural History Museum. Along with King Toera’s skull, the skulls of two other individuals from the Sakalava community have also been repatriated. All the skulls were wrapped in traditional Malagasy cloth and sent in sealed boxes. This repatriation was made possible through the sustained efforts of the people and government of Madagascar, and a new law passed by France in 2023 that simplifies the return of human remains. This action is part of France’s wider effort to return human remains acquired during the colonial period, which began with the return of Sarah Baartman’s remains to South Africa in 2002. The Musée de l’Ome in France has over 30,000 biological specimens, including many skulls. Countries such as Argentina and Australia are also seeking the return of the remains of their ancestors. The Malagasy government has arranged a dignified funeral for these skulls and is organizing a special program for the event.
