6
Preface
Since its inception in 2005, Ambatovy has demonstrated a commitment to the preservation and protection of artifacts found in
its intervention areas between Moramanga and Toamasina. A detailed survey of all cultural and religious sites was conducted
and continued throughout the construction phase between 2007 and 2011. During this period, more than two hundred sacred
sites (burial and traditional worship sites) and important monuments were identified. One hundred archaeological sites and more
than 5,000 artifacts of different origins were also discovered.
Given the significant number of artifacts discovered, their analysis and interpretation has been conducted in collaboration with local
and international experts in order to place them in the context of the cultural history of Madagascar in general, more specifically, that
of the east coast.
All of this helps me to express with pride that our work is being carried out within the frameworks of internationally recognized
standards relating to the protection of cultural heritage and archaeological value to Madagascar, in addition to complying with
national laws. All my predecessors have supported this process, which has contributed significantly to increasing Ambatovy’s social
performance in terms of cultural and archaeological heritage.
This book is the result of committed teamwork where a variety of skills have come together, particularly in the field of archaeology.
We have sought the expertise of world-renowned specialists and the growing expertise of ten students from the Universities of
Toamasina and Antananarivo. They have been under the scientific supervision of Jean-Aimé Rakotoarisoa, and project work has
been supported by Ambatovy’s team of young archaeologists.
The collaboration of external experts from the Institute of Civilization/Museum of Art and Archaeology (ICMAA) and the Centre
for Arts and Archaeology (CAA), with the support of the Association of Archaeologists in Madagascar (ADAM) and the Geology
Department of the University of Antananarivo, gave life to a multidisciplinary team, yielding impressive results and discoveries.
I sincerely hope that, from reading this book, you will discover the well-known aspects of the importance of Madagascar’s history
and heritage. I would like to kindly thank all the people and entities that have contributed to this work, particularly the Ministry of
Culture and the Ministry of Scientific Research, via the Centre for Ethnological and Linguistic Research and Studies (CEREL), for
their unfailing support.
Finally, I would like to thank the local population, who provided all the relevant information to facilitate our field work and helped us
respect and comply with ancestral traditions.
Ben Chapman
CSR Director, Ambatovy
