Caskets containing skulls of the Sakalava ethnic group are carried to a ceremony welcoming the colonial-era relics returned by France in Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar, Sept. 2, 2025. An official ceremony was held on Tuesday in Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar, to welcome the colonial-era relics returned by France. Three skulls of the Sakalava ethnic group, one of which is believed to belong to King Toera and the other two to his warriors, were returned to Madagascar after 128 years in France. (Photo by Sitraka Rajaonarison/Xinhua)

ANTANANARIVO, Sept. 2 (Xinhua) -- An official ceremony was held on Tuesday in Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar, to welcome the colonial-era relics returned by France.

Three skulls of the Sakalava ethnic group, one of which is believed to belong to King Toera and the other two to his warriors, were returned to Madagascar after 128 years in France.

"Today, we pay tribute to the heroes who sacrificed themselves for their country, and in particular to the courageous struggle led by King Toera in Ambiky (in western Madagascar) in August 1897, against French colonisers," said Madagascar's President Andry Rajoelina during the ceremony.

While stressing that history cannot be forgotten, Rajoelina said, "The return of relics allows us to understand that the memory of those who fought for their country will never fade."

"It remains alive in our hearts, reminding us of our duty to preserve this heritage and build a united and prosperous nation," he said. "Making Madagascar a thriving and respected nation, progressing steadily and occupying its rightful place on all fronts, is a challenge we have set ourselves and a goal we must achieve."

The skulls were formally handed over to Madagascar at a ceremony held at the French Ministry of Culture in late August. After the official ceremony in Antananarivo, they will be transported later this week to the Menabe region in western Madagascar for burial.

Madagascar was colonized by France from 1896 and gained its independence on June 26, 1960. ■