3-082-622 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Sakalava Princes, north-west coast of Madagascar, 1895. 'The French military expedition to Madagascar probably does not expect to encounter these Sakalava chiefs as enemies, and may possibly avail itself of their services as allies. They belong to a native race not kindred to that of the Hovas, who are supposed to be of Malay origin, and who form the singular half-civilised, superficially Christianised small kingdom in the centre and on the east coast of that large island of the Indian Ocean, now resisting a closer grasp of the French political protectorate and control over its internal affairs. The Sakalavas are in a savage or wild condition, more like the Zulus and Matabili of the African mainland, or the tribes dwelling adjacent to the Portuguese colonies from Mozambique to Delagoa Bay. It may well be doubted whether they could become desirable or profitable fellow-subjects, as they are of a fierce disposition and predatory habits'. From "Illustrated London News", 1895.