À partir de XIXᵉ siècle
Antananarivo and Mantasoa, Madagascar
Traduction non disponible · Original (anglais) · français indisponible
Jean Laborde was a French adventurer employed by Queen Ranavalona I to direct industrial and technical works in Madagascar. After arriving in Antananarivo in 1832, he established factories first at Ilafy and then at Mantasoa, where a large complex produced weapons, glass, soap, and other goods. He also began the wooden palace later associated with the queen’s residence in Antananarivo.
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Le récit
Jean Laborde arrived in Antananarivo in 1832 and entered the service of Queen Ranavalona I as a general superintendent of works. His role reflected the monarchy’s effort to obtain technical expertise without surrendering political independence to European powers. Rather than relying solely on imported manufactures, the court sought to produce essential goods within Madagascar.
Laborde first established a factory at Ilafy, approximately ten kilometres north of Antananarivo, and later moved his operations to Mantasoa near the eastern forest. The new site offered abundant running water, although securing Malagasy labour was difficult. With official support, Laborde built an industrial complex employing approximately 20,000 workers and producing goods that included guns, cannon, glass, and soap.
Laborde’s work also shaped the royal landscape of Antananarivo. He began the queen’s wooden palace at her request; the building was later enclosed in stone by James Cameron and became a dominant feature of the capital. Laborde ultimately became a Malagasy citizen and was incorporated into the ruling oligarchy, illustrating the selective integration of foreign specialists into the Merina state.
À partir de XIXᵉ siècle
Antananarivo and Mantasoa, Madagascar
Traduction non disponible · Original (anglais) · français indisponible
Jean Laborde was a French adventurer employed by Queen Ranavalona I to direct industrial and technical works in Madagascar. After arriving in Antananarivo in 1832, he established factories first at Ilafy and then at Mantasoa, where a large complex produced weapons, glass, soap, and other goods. He also began the wooden palace later associated with the queen’s residence in Antananarivo.
Poursuivre l’exploration
Le récit
Jean Laborde arrived in Antananarivo in 1832 and entered the service of Queen Ranavalona I as a general superintendent of works. His role reflected the monarchy’s effort to obtain technical expertise without surrendering political independence to European powers. Rather than relying solely on imported manufactures, the court sought to produce essential goods within Madagascar.
Laborde first established a factory at Ilafy, approximately ten kilometres north of Antananarivo, and later moved his operations to Mantasoa near the eastern forest. The new site offered abundant running water, although securing Malagasy labour was difficult. With official support, Laborde built an industrial complex employing approximately 20,000 workers and producing goods that included guns, cannon, glass, and soap.
Laborde’s work also shaped the royal landscape of Antananarivo. He began the queen’s wooden palace at her request; the building was later enclosed in stone by James Cameron and became a dominant feature of the capital. Laborde ultimately became a Malagasy citizen and was incorporated into the ruling oligarchy, illustrating the selective integration of foreign specialists into the Merina state.
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