Symposium Report

Submission of Ambatovy’s Archaeological Work

April 12, 2011 Malagasy Academy – Antananarivo Table Of Contents

Introduction...... 3 Commitment to cultural heritage...... 3 Discours d’ouverture ...... 4 Opening speech by Mr. Frederic RANDRIAMAMONJY, Vice-President of the Academy and Chairman of Section II...... 4 Speech by Mark SITTER, Deputy Director, External Relations of Ambatovy...... 4 Presentations...... 5 State of conducted archaeological work...... 5 Methodology for the protection of the integrity of the sites during construction...... 6 Discovered archaeological artifacts sites and handling...... 7 Test of funerary archaeology in the Bezanozano region: Case of Ambavalanomby and Behontsa...... 8 Draft summary results obtained by the national experts’ missions...... 9 Socio-cultural anthropology from Mangoro to Ivondro ...... 10 The place of in the Indian Ocean’s ancient migrations...... 11 Archeology of large river mouths: Case of the Ivondro River...... 12 Archaeological sites along Madagascar’s eastern coast...... 13 Draft summary of the day...... 14 Appendix...... 15 Discussions...... 15 Suggestions...... 16

2 Introduction

Commitment to cultural heritage Ambatovy is a world-class nickel and cobalt mining operation building on social profitability and transparency at all levels of the organization. Ambatovy’s archaeological work was initiated in 2005 in order to protect archaeological and cultural sites. In accordance with the commitments its Environmental Management and Social Development Plan (PGEDS) created in 2007, Ambatovy implemented an archaeological program to preserve Madagscar’s cultural heritage, including archaeological and sacred sites located in all construction areas between Moramanga and . All movable archaeological items that were discovered during the construction of the mine, the pipeline and the plant were stored, handled and analyzed. The route of the pipeline has been modified several times to bypass traditional sites.

The lecturers during symposium

3 Opening speech

Opening speech by Mr. Frederic Randriamamonjy, Vice-President of the Academy and Chairman of Section II “I would like to welcome everyone to this meeting that brings together academics from the University of Antananarivo, Toamasina and Toliara as well as persons from the world of science and culture. Today, Ambatovy, the large mining company, is inviting us because they wish to submit the first results of their archaeological discoveries found during construction to the Malagasy Academy. We are especially eager to hear the results during this conference that I officially declare open on behalf of the President of the Academy.”

Speech by Mark Sitter, Deputy Director, External Relations of Ambatovy Distinguished Guests,

“Six years ago, Ambatovy began doing archaeological research on the different sites where it planned to build its facilities. This archaeological program, which aims to preserve the cultural heritage on all of its sites between Moramanga and Toamasina, is one of the commitments that the company made with the Government of Madagascar under its Environmental Management and Social Development Plan (PGEDS).

It should also be emphasized that this part of the island, which has an intense and rich history, lacks ethnographic studies. Therefore, this program has a dual objective: to respect and promote Malagasy culture and to develop scientific knowledge.

I would like to take this opportunity to recall that Ambatovy is a nickel and cobalt mining company, but is especially engaged in a transparent and responsible manner in all of its activities.

Ambatovy always applies the highest standards. You certainly know the Investment and Environment Compatibility Act (also known as the MECIE Decree), which covers other areas besides biodiversity. Ambatovy also complies with the Equator Principles and the International Finance Corporation Performance Standards.

Without saying too much about what Ambatovy’s archaeologists will present, I can already say that the results are interesting: more than 4,800 artifacts and nearly 260 sites have been discovered. Not to mention the fact that the scientific knowledge about the cultural and historical heritage of the area between Toamasina and Moramanga increased significantly. The capitalization of all this knowledge is also the very aim of this symposium.

Ambatovy can only be proud of itself and at the same time respect the richness found in the Malagasy culture that is known for its diversity, intensity as well as its renowned and well-established fihavanana. May Ambatovy’s contribution promote more the wealth and the value of the national culture.

I would like to thank all partners who have joined us throughout this endeavour: including the University of Toamasina and the Centre d’Etudes et de Recherches Ethnologiques et Linguistiques (CEREL), the University of Antananarivo, the Centre d’Art et d’Archéologie (CAA) and the Institut de Civilisations / Musée d’Art and Archaeology (ICMAA).

Naturally, all of these institutions are under the trusteeship of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research all of whom we would like to thank.

Your particular contribution is very important and sums up the significance of the work to be presented here today.

Before closing, it is impossible for me to forget someone without whom all of this would have been impossible. On behalf of Ambatovy, I would like to thank Mr. Jean-Aimé Rakotoarisoa, the “father” of the Archaeology Program of the company. Your passion, your vision and your dedication are reflected in these results and let me congratulate you warmly for the admirable work being done.

Thank you for your attention.”

4 Presentations

State of conducted archaeological work Jean Aimé Rakotoarisoa, Professor - Institut de Civilisations/Musée d’Art et d’Archéologie, University of Antananarivo “We will try to deliver the first results of the 5-year archaeological work conducted by Ambatovy in its intervention areas during construction. This session meets two requirements: bringing back information to this learning institution, the Malagasy Academy; getting outside opinions. This explains the presence of fellow national archaeologists and historians as well as Professor Claude Allibert and Professor Robert Dewar, who both have been working for decades on Madagascar. This session should also put an end to rumors, whether benevolent or malevolent, on our findings and management of the sites and artifacts. At the end of the day, the information becomes public but remains the property of their authors. Before our work begun, many sites provided evidence that supported the late arrival of the latest wave of Austronesian migrants in the Bay of Antongil, before beginning to migrate to the Central Highlands. Their passage was marked by the site of Vohidrazana I, west of Fénérive and Vohidrazana II located near Ambavaniasy. The speakers will therefore present the different aspects of these sites, based on their cultural evolution according to the phases involved. The best known areas are Fénérive, Foulpointe, Tamatave, Ambodisiny and Farafaty. Other than Ambodisiny, they date from a recent era corresponding to the development of trade and deals with foreign countries. From 2005, the year of commencement of the work, the challenge has seemed impossible to face. Not enough qualified archaeologists are available. However, a solution has been found through collaboration with university colleagues, with whom we have established working arrangements, including their best students. First of all, we conducted an exploratory study to identify the potentially affected sites in order to see how they would be affected by the work. Still, some sites were only identified at the time of clearing, which is the last step before the imminent arrival of bulldozers. In these fortunately rare cases, discussions were held with the construction companies, but the last word goes to the archaeologists who secure the perimeter with bright colour strips. Construction companies must deviate from such locations or wait until the archaeological works are complete. Presentations will follow to give you an initial idea of the work. So I ask you to be patient, to be fairly tolerant, but not to be obliging. If you feel that we have ignored or overlooked any important steps, feel free to let us know. We will listen to all your remarks and comments.”

5 Presentations

Methodology for the protection of the integrity of the sites during construction Jean Aimé Andriamaherilala, PhD, Pipeline Area Manager – Ambatovy “I would like to emphasize the exceptional opportunity that we were given to be able to explore over 200 km in order to update archaeological sites. The main objective is to keep the integrity of the sites faced to construction. This should become a requirement for all companies working in Madagascar.

The methodology adopted is that of classical archeology: Surface surveying, GPS location, survey and rescue excavations. We have worked on the Ambatovy intervention areas: Mine Site, 220km pipeline, 16 access roads, 3 storage areas, plant site, tailings, two resettlement sites in Toamasina and the limestone extraction site in Toliara.

All of our work was conducted in association with the local communities. One of their representatives is always present on our sites. Conflict situations could arise, especially at the beginning, when construction companies do not want any impediment on the progress of their work. However, they soon understood and accepted the importance of respect for the sites that we marked with bright colour strips.”

6 Presentations

Discovered archaeological artifacts sites and handling Erick Randrianasolo, Master’s in History, Supervisor – Ambatovy “Fieldwork was documented in activity reports, monitoring sheets and excavation registers. These documents and all discovered archaeological objects were recorded, handled and analyzed. The documentation provided crucial information about the sites. Generally, these sites are located downslope and rarely on the top of hills. Based on oral traditions, the local population provided additional valuable information about the most recent sites. They also expressed the connections between the latter and the site, thereby allowing us to assess if the latter is important in the eyes of the relevant community or not. Archaeological sites have become sacred places to be respected by the local population. Sometimes they are transformed into burial locations, as was the case of Ampasamaro (literature: many tombs). Rich in pottery artifacts, this archaeological site was a local pottery workshop according to traditional stories. Sites with surface structures are rare and only found in buildings built during the colonial era. Laboratory work mostly focused on a series of classic operations: cleaning, marking and labeling, cataloging, and sorting by type. Movable archaeological potteries have been classified as local and imported ceramics. It is important to note that this local pottery is rich in decorative patterns. Indeed, we have potteries that are decorated with incisions, imprints or both. Artifacts made of chloritoschist are also important highlights of discovered objects. These are bottom of a container, bottom of a pot, or part of their lining. While some are still intact, others have been reused as net spring balance or ornaments. Raw chloritoschists were also found. This could indicate the existence of a quarry in the surrounding. Imported ceramics are made of glazed ceramics from the Far East, Chinese blue and white porcelain, “sgraffiato” from the Middle East and European ceramics particularly dated from the 17th to the 19th century. The rest of discovered items are metal and glass objects. Following the recommendation of the national experts who conducted the assessment of Ambatovy’s archaeological work, we submitted some pottery samples without decorations to see what components it had, i.e. silica, alumina, titanium, iron, calcium, magnesium, manganese, potassium and sodium. Such analysis was first conducted on artifacts from the sites located in the Mangoro Region, particularly on samples taken from the different layers of the Ampasamaro site. The chronology of site occupancy available at this time is not yet final. However, through analogy with the known typology of cultural phases, we have covered the period from the 13th to the 19th century. A series of complete dating will be conducted to supplement this series of chronological data. In conclusion, the Ambatovy intervention areas are located in a region rich in cultural heritage. Data processing will be continued to allow for the refining of their interpretation.”

7 Presentations

Test of funerary archaeology in the Bezanozano region: Case of Ambavalanomby and Behontsa Rafolo Andrianaivoarivony, Professor – Centre d’Art et d’Archéologie, University of Antananarivo “Both sites of Ambavalanomby and Behontsa, in Ambatovy, are examples of many funerary archeologies, which studies burial places not only as a burial or cremation place, but also the details of their contents. Ambatovy requested twice the help of archaeologists from the University of Antananarivo to conduct an expert study: first in Ambavalanomby in September 2009 and then Behontsa in 2010. These sites were previously identified by archaeologists from Ambatovy’s Corporate Social Responsibility Department. These two sites are called fasana vazimba according to oral traditions. Their excavations lasted a little less than a week, 6 days for each site. We carried out the necessary works after the fomba dictated by the local population. The results of the expertise indicate that the location of the Ambavalanomby site was well chosen because it is visible from afar. This was identified as a sanctuary visited by pilgrims. It has a group of megaliths, stone slabs with a sharp cut on its upper part and an alignment of lithic elements in a circle. In Behontsa, the arrangement of stones helped identify a tomb that contained the remains of an individual taller than 1.5 meters. The excavation was a significant opportunity because in our country, all that can be linked to the tomb is sacred and forbidden to be sullied or trampled on. In Ambavalanomby, the funerary artifact is a small jar intentionally broken according to customs to show that its owner died. This jar is much older than the artifacts recently left by the pilgrims who continued to honour this grave, which is already empty. The body has been moved elsewhere to monitor the consecutive migrations of the family. Only the broken stone highlights the presence of this body. After a period of time when the sanctuary was visited, the site was finally abandoned by the living (who are no longer attached to it). After, it was called fasam-bazimba, that is to say deserted and abandoned graves. It is also the case for Behontsa, which also became a sanctuary visited by pilgrims, who dropped 1 Ariary coins. The potteries found on both sites help conclude that Ambavalanomby dates from late 17th to early 18th century, while Behontsa dates from late 18th to early 19th century. The discovered archaeological artifacts such as shards of pottery with small triangle patterns which are well-known in the Highlands and surroundings, like Ambavalanomby. Potteries with no special decorations were found in Behontsa. In conclusion, the study of these two sites helped define that in the Bezanozano region, a fasana vazimba corresponds to an old abandoned tomb.”

8 Presentations

Draft summary results obtained by the national experts’ missions Chantal Radimilahy, Lecturer - Institut de Civilisations/Musée d’Art et d’Archéologie, University of Antananarivo “As national experts appointed by the Malagasy Government with Professor Rafolo Andrianaivoarivony to be in charge of the monitoring of the Ambatovy archaeological works, we reviewed periodically if the methods comply with the Environmental Permit. We were also required to conduct field visits to see the state of cultural and religious sites. Sometimes, our recommendations are to apply the methods under the broad sense of the term “heritage protection” with an aim to preserve a forest containing medicinal plants that are useful for the local population. In the laboratory, our role was to verify and validate the data and artifact processing protocol. This work was done in collaboration with CEREL (Centre d’Etudes et de Recherches Ethnological and Linguistic) and the Museum of the University of Toamasina. From a scientific point of view, the results build upon knowledge of the archaeological sites. Before Ambatovy’s initiative, only ten archaeological sites were identified on the eastern part of Madagascar. Now, we have identified more than one hundred sites and have gathered traditional stories. The work was also a great learning experience for our young students. The open sites were a life-size practical. In the future, Ambatovy should conduct restitution activities and make the results available to the local communities with the possibility of enhancing the archaeological and historical sites such as the worship sites.”

9 Presentations

Socio-cultural anthropology from Mangoro to Ivondro Mamialisoa Razanamaro, Research Professor – Ethnological and Linguistics Research Centre, CEREL, University of Toamasina “I will start by presenting the CEREL Centre, which currently stores the remains discovered during Ambatovy’s Construction Phase. An agreement was signed between the University of Toamasina and Ambatovy, through the CEREL Centre. It consists of fieldwork, conservation of the archaeological excavation findings and treatment of the collected items. The small archaeological laboratory established in the CEREL really helps the University students. Now, let me talk about CEREL’s activities. Since its creation in 1985, this research centre at the University of Toamasina has been an strong supporter of the cultural, museology and artistic activities conducted in the region and beyond. We are currently conducting research work with Ambatovy to understand the characteristics and the diversity of the history of migration along the RN2 highway connecting Toamasina and Antananarivo. The research is focused on the impact of the colonial administration inheritance, land issues, evolution of the village social structures and the market penetration rates. The CEREL has a database combining all the customs and traditions of various groups in the Bezanozano and Betsimisaraka areas. To conclude, here are some recommendations that may help perpetuate the collaboration on the conservation work with Ambatovy: • Virtual restitution of the damaged sites; • Study of ancient ethnic groups and migration influx in the project’s neighbouring areas; • Study of the biological environment in the damaged archaeological sites in order to collect the information on former inhabitants’ way of life; • Study of the evolution of the population’s way of life and cultural customs; • Transformation of the cultural heritage into income generating activities for the population; • Study of the current and ancient population migration in Ambatovy’s impacted areas; • Study of the population’s traditional way of life and cultural customs; • Socio-political and cultural anthropological study of the immigration first group in the east coast of Madagascar.”

10 Presentations

The place of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean’s ancient migrations Claude Allibert, Professor - National Institute of Languages and Oriental Civilizations, University of Paris, France “I will rely on documents written by two important authors: Piri Reis, a Turkish admiral who sailed around the Indian Ocean area in the 16th century and Flacourt Etienne, a French Governor of Fort-Dauphin in the 17th century. Two main inputs should be retained from Flacourt. He describes three human groups, the third of which is the Zafikazimambo who came from Mozambique. “Zafi” is an real Malagasy word whereas Kazimambo is not initially Malagasy. “Mambo” means a Mozambican lord and even the sons of the Kazi women. The other main groups are the Zafy hibrahim and the Zafiramini. Falcourt sees a link between Abraham and the Zafy Ibrahim. As there is no record of Mohammedanism in this group and as the members do not work on Saturdays, Flacourt deduced the presence of Jews. This theory has gradually disappeared but some continue to believe it in Madagascar. Jean Pirier is the second person to address this issue in 1965. He had a more convincing theory about the affiliation and saw an anti-Islamic or para-Islamic stratum. In other words, according to him, these people are not Muslims because they belong to a divergent Arabic group when Mahomet invokes Allah to create this religion. This division would be the origin of the Zafy hibrahim. Later, Paul Ottino, who is always clever, suggests that they can be Nestorians but did not provide any relevant information. Jean Claude Hebert has recently suggested that this group came from north-west India. It should be noted that Boraha is one of the Nosy Ibrahim (St. Mary) names. In an excellent article written in 1902, Gabriel Ferrand rejected the hypothesis of a Jewish migration, because these people did not know the name of Yaweh, the main deity of this religion. The fact of not working on Saturdays can simply means the observance of a fady – a day which is very common among the Malagasy population. So if the word Abraham was to be kept, then it would have been translated into the Malagasy words Abrahimo or Ibrahima. Some authors agree on the existence of a Himyaritic stratum, a pre-Islamic population from the South coast of Arabia. Such a hypothesis is very interesting and brings us to a period just before the Islam advent. So, I would link them with these Himyaritic movements. Moreover, the voyage on the Eritrean Sea reports the presence of Mopharites on the African coast. According to Flacourt, they would be the introducers of the geomancy. Excavations conducted in Mayotte showed a contact between Bantu Islamized populations with Austronesian in the 9 to 10th centuries. This movement enters in Madagascar through the north and along the east coast. At this time, the Arabs who were looking for commercial products (turtle shells, copal, quartz, iron and chlorite schist…) called Madagascar “Qmr” (under the Magellanic cloud showing the south) or Qanbalu. Thus, it is undeniable that Madagascar has played an early role in the maritime trade and the population migrations in the south-west part of the Indian Ocean. This eastern part of Madagascar contains some of the witnesses of that past.”

11 Presentations

Archeology of large river mouths: Case of the Ivondro River Chantal Radimilahy, Lecturer – Institute of Civilizations / Museum of Art and Archeology, University of Antananarivo “The Ambodisiny site is located about ten kilometers south of Toamasina. As usual, the river flows according to the floods and the cyclones. The excavation was conducted at the Ambodisiny Village and started with a surveys conducted with the students from the University of Toamasina as part of their practicum in archeology. Ambodisiny is a very well-known site. Written documentations from the 19th century mention the presence of a big chlorite schist jar in this site, which is considered as a sacred object by the local population. But between 1940 and 1947, a soldier voluntarily broke it into pieces. The features of the local pottery are similar to the ones found on some sites in Swahili, along the east African coast, Comoros, the eastern, western and southern coasts of Madagascar. This is a red pottery characterized by decorative patterns observed especially on the pottery lip. The ochre red coating and the decoration on the lips are the indicators from 12th century sites. Ambodisiny’s upcoming works will be focused on, particularly the role of this 1 kilometre site and the relationship between the coastal and inland areas. Such an important site must have satellite sites that we also need to discover.”

12 Presentations

Archaeological sites along Madagascar’s eastern coast Robert Dewar, Professor – University of Cambridge (UK) / Yale University (USA) “Madagascar’s archaeology is closely linked to that of other Indian Ocean regions. Under the supervision of ICMAA and in line with its river mouth archaeological research program, we have prospected and worked for several years in the area between and Toamasina. Data provided by the various sites, in particular those of Fenerive Est can be linked to the ancient well- known cultural phases like , in the Mananara Nord region. The Lakaria phase is dated from the 12th century into the 15th century in comparison with the potsherd found in Mahilaka in the North- West. This type of potsherd is coarse and very thick. The Lakaria phase has chlorite schist as the previous Sandrakatsy phase.

The next period between the 16th and the 17th century consists of the Seranambe phase. It corresponds to the first contacts with Europeans. The villages are more numerous and have progressively settled towards the inland along the rivers. Fénérive remains an important centre where French people (i.e. Francois Martin) came to buy rice and cattle in the mid-17th century. This is the evidence of the eastern region’s agricultural riches at that time. From the 18th century, during the Ambitsika phase, villages were growing and trade regions like Foulpointe were developing. Archaeological sites were identified increasingly in the inlands. Contact with the outside was confirmed by the presence of European objects, including ceramics, glass, lead, etc. The Andadoany site, near the current hospital of Fénérive is one example of that. This period also corresponds to a change in the local pottery features, which lasted throughout the 19th century with the Ambibe phase. The evolution of these sites starting from the ancient period, when the founding ancestors stayed on the Vohidrazana hill which is prominent to the valley located ten kilometers West of Fenerive, is similar to what we have discovered between Toamasina and Moramanga.”

13 Presentations

Draft summary of the day Jean Aimé Rakotoarisoa, Professor – Institute of Civilizations/ Museum of Art and archeology, University of Antananarivo “The spatial boundary of our work was therefore the 2 km wide and 220 km-long land strip, with the implantation sites and relocation areas. The first tangible result is the update of a hundred sites, covering a period from the 12th to the 19th century. These sites have to be placed in a wider context considering the national and Indian Ocean migrations. This restitution session is not aimed at solving all the issues that happened during fifty years but at least focusing on the right issues. Based on comments from the audience, it seems that we have had a lot of discussions about the Vazimba, the chlorite schist, graphite and the sgraffiato. Discussions about the Vazimba are very common in any meeting about Madagascar’s history. Defining the Vazimba concept here would be difficult. This topic alone deserves a several day symposium. I just want to say that every region and every social group in Madagascar claims their own Vazimba which continues to have a strong social influence. There was also much discussion about the chlorite schist, which is an important indicator of the ancient migrations. It seems that the deposits known to date are in the eastern side of Madagascar. Some of the updated sites contain several forms of it. Records of the recovery performed on some parts tend to prove the scarcity of such objects. The current analytical study is focused on the identification of the origin of these objects by comparing them with the existing deposits. Graphite is also an indicator due to the presence of deposits in the region. For the first time, some potteries that were not graphitized but entirely made from graphite were discovered. The hundred sites discovered clearly show the relationship that bounds the coastal regions and the highlands. Contrary to popular belief, it is not a linear migration of a group from one point to another at a specific time but a multi-directional movement occurring over a long period. In order to achieve our objectives of improving our knowledge of this region, it is necessary to develop an action plan in partnership with Ambatovy. The research in these sites should be done in cooperation with a university research program. Preserving these sites is becoming urgent. They are currently secured because there is no more damaged by Ambatovy’s construction work. People know that they exist and we must educate the local communities on their importance. Some sites are of a crucial importance for the people and for us, and even for politicians at the national level. These main sites are part of Madagascar’s cultural heritage and should be valued.”

14 Appendix

Discussions Does Ambatovy contribute to safeguarding of the cultural heritage? YES. This is done through securing sites and conservation remains. One of the most important site development programs will be established with the local communities. Does Ambatovy finance travel, training and assessment projects?. YES. Archaeological assessment missions are part of the PGEDS monitoring. As for training, archaeologists are trained at their respective universities. Ambatovy also has a training program that corresponds to the various jobs required in the Project.

Can you provide more information about the Vazimba tombs? YES. In our intervention areas, abandoned graves are considered as Vazimba tombs by the local population. No human remains were found in these tombs. The word “vazimba” is used by the local population to describe this type of location. This is a late designation.

How and where is the information stored and how can it be accessed? The remains are stored at the CEREL and the Ambatovy offices in Toamasina. All the information will be provided to the CEREL at the University of Toamasina and made available to the public.

Was a comparative study of the discovered objects conducted with the other regions’ excavation sites? YES. It was found that none of the sites were comparable to those discovered in the central highlands.

Is the orientation of the tombs the same as the Imerina tombs? YES. The doors are also facing west

Is there a link between the funeral archaeology and the Ambavalanomby and Behontsa toponymy? Is this name given before or after the site establishment? Sometimes there is a link between the site’s name and the toponymy. This is the case for Vohidrazana. For the two funeral sites, the names used are not related to the site. The first refers to a cattle yard and the second one hontsa means “lots of honey”.

Are the excavations intended only for the collecting of archaeological equipment, material and furniture? Why don’t we know the people who are buried inside the tombs? Unfortunately, unless precise documents about the buried people are available, archaeologists are not able to give a name to the human remains in the grave. However the bones can provide all the information on the characteristics of the exhumed body (age, sex, size, etc.)

Were rituals conducted with the neighbouring population before the relocation of the sites that could not be avoided? YES. Ambatovy has organized many “joro” in order to build relationships with the population.

Request for further information about the chlorite schist. This is a soft stone which is also called steatite or soap stone. It can easily be used to make everyday objects and hardens on contact with air. These artefacts manufactured in Madagascar were exported to the countries neighbouring the Indian Ocean. The oldest are from the 8th century AD.

15 Appendix

Suggestions • Traditional stories are useful, the findings needs to be coordinated with these traditions • More studies about the Vazimba and their ancient migrations are required. The work completed should relate to the ancient sites and the Madagascar’s standing stones. • Vohidrazana I and II. Encouraged to move forward. Malagasy origins issues, archaeology of the river mouths: did the archaeological works provide information about this topic.Palynology, the science for the vegetation reconstitution, partnership proposal to complete the information about the archaeological sites in view of a paleo-environmental study

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