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The sites are defined based on the following criteria: presence of artifacts (shards of pottery, iron slags, metal pieces, shards of
glasses, etc.) and all forms of human-induced topographic and environmental characteristics (slope gradient, presence of vegetation
associated with human occupancy, etc.). Simultaneously the systematic gathering of oral traditions was also undertaken. During
interviews with the local population, the repetition of certain Malagasy words was observed (
fahagola
,
Ntaolo, taloha, vazimba
, etc.),
which may indicate the age of a village.
This initial survey provided an identification map of the different places at risk. During this stage only visible artifacts were identified:
graves, standing stones, and sites with obvious structures such as trenches or raised earth. Some members of the local population
pointed out traditional worship sites as well as things forbidden in such places. Informal conversations revealed the rich oral
traditions of these regions, worthy of being transcribed and studied.
Every time there was a change in the footprint of construction the information was updated. Changes to the pipeline routing caused
the most changes in which case, the affected communities were informed, however, once informed they adopted one of two
different, but specific, attitudes. Some sensed the opportunity to receive compensation and wanted the pipeline to cross their land,
whilst others stubbornly refused. When changes were made to the pipeline route, agents were obliged to spend more time with the
impacted communities to give them the necessary explanations for making a decision. Special meetings had to be organized to clear
any actual or perceived misunderstandings within a community.
At the end of this first phase, all data and information collected was shared with the construction teams.
The sites to be preserved were clearly marked with flags to signal their presence and encourage construction teams to be aware.
Some artifacts were only discovered during the earthworks, and on one occasion artifacts buried deep in the ground were uncovered.
When an artifact is found in this manner, a red flag is waved. Work is then suspended to allow archaeologists to review the situation.
When a site is confirmed to be important, a procedure known as ‘rescue excavation’ is initiated. A survey square, to determine the
depth and the richness of the archaeological layer, is established. During the excavation two major requirements must be met: avoid
destruction of the site and avoid delays to on-going construction. The archaeological team informs the local population of the work
and check that all socio-cultural barriers have been fixed. When sensitive monuments such as standing stones were found, a
Joro
, a
traditional ceremony to request the blessing and protection of the ancestors, had to be organized.
