7
Acknowledgements
Support and assistance from various people and institutions made this book possible:
On a scientific level, we benefited from the wise counsel and assistance of Claude Allibert, Robert Dewar, Henry Wright, Chantal
Radimilahy, Rafolo Andrianaivoarivony, and the entire Museum team of the University of Antananarivo.
On an institutional level it is essential to emphasize the support of
ICMAA
in Antananarivo and
CEREL
in Toamasina, as well as the
laboratory teams at Ambatovy’s Mine and Plant Sites.
From Ambatovy’s Corporate Social Responsibility Department, Juanita Montalvo was the first person to consider the publication
of an archaeological and cultural book on the discoveries made during the construction phase. This idea was supported by Robin
Budden and subsequently supported and brought to fruition by Ben Chapman and Irene Daso.
Technical work was conducted by the archaeological team under the consecutive management of Jean-Aimé Andriamaherilala
and Erick Randrianasolo. Erick Randrianasolo and his team, composed of Jean Claude Randrianasolo, Andry Rasoanaivo, James
Tsitohaina Andriatahiana, and Mamisoa Ratsimbazafy, managed and analyzed all the artifacts that were collected with the support of
Andi Mario Jaozara and Bruno Ramarolahy, who worked on their documentation.
All the maps were developed with the help of Ambatovy’s GIS team, composed of Leon Darsot, Andry Randriamantenasoa and Eric
Randrianantenaina.
Ambatovy’s communication team, led by Lalaina Randrianarivelo, put the finishing touches to this book with their translation, editing
and graphic design skills.
Finally, I would like to thank the countless number of people who have supported and assisted me, through informal exchanges, on
new aspects of the culture of the eastern region of Madagascar.
Jean-Aimé Rakotoarisoa
