In a significant cultural event, the remains of King Toera, the last ruler of Madagascar’s Sakalava kingdom of Menabe, were laid to rest this week, marking a poignant moment for the Sakalava people.
King Toera was killed in 1897 by French colonial forces, who then transported his skull to Paris, where it remained hidden in a museum for more than a century.
Last year, France returned the king’s remains, allowing him to participate in sacred rituals for the first time since his death. The ceremony was held in accordance with Sokagasy traditions, an important religious observance for the Sakalava community.
