Cultural heritage: a replica of the Queen’s stolen crown in the Palace of Andafiavaratra

At a first look, one might say that the royal crown presented in the Palace of Anafiavaratra last Wednesday is the one that disappeared about five months ago at the Palace’s Museum. But as the head of the Cultural Heritage Department in the Ministry of Culture and Heritage stated clearly, it is only a replica of the original item which is still not found.

Elyane Ranohintsoa of the Tranovola Museum offered this replica of the royal crown to the Ministry of Culture and Heritage out of patriotism and love of national heritage. She offered this replica, which, unlike the original, is made mostly of copper, in memory of the original. “We fabricated this crown according to the original item in November 2011 without realizing it would serve history now,” said Elyane Ranohintsoa.  

In light of such highly patriotic and courageous act of Elyane Ranohintsoa, Elia Ravelomanantsoa, the Minister for Culture and Heritage, expressed her profound appreciation and gratitude. She thanked and congratulated the owners of the Tranovola Museum for their inestimable gift. The Minister also called on to all private collectors to lend a hand to the ministry to safeguard the Malagasy heritage and values.

During the ceremony, Elia Ravelomanantsoa stated about strengthening the security system of the Palace of Andafiavaratra namely its lighting by solar panels and the installation of a modern alarm system. She also mentioned that the replica of cultural heritage is also part of the policy of her department. The presentation of this replica of the royal crown coincided with the celebration of the World Day of Museums whose official celebration will take place in Moramanga.