2-982-619 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Sketches from Madagascar - Antananarivo, the Capital of Madagascar; with the Procession of the Prince and Princess Royal passing along the Eastern Side of the Capital, 1858. '...on the highest part of the hill...stands the palace, the largest and loftiest building in the place...the walls are surrounded by double verandahs one above the other; the roof is steep, with attic windows at three different elevations...The procession occupied full half a mile...There were fourteen palanquins, ornamented with variously-coloured drapery. In one of these a beautiful youth, the son of the Prince Ramboasalama, attracted my attention...Then came the officers of the palace, in palanquins or on foot; and after these the Prince's band of nineteen musicians, including five clarinets, five flutes and fifes, one bassoon, four bugles, a bass, a smaller drum, and a triangle...Then came the Prince's palanquin, with three or four officers walking on each side with drawn, swords. Next to the Prince came the Princess, her palanquin covered with scarlet cloth, ornamented with gold lace, and bordered with rich gold fringe...By the side of the princess a man carried a large umbrella of pink silk...immediately behind her palanquin a dozen or more female slaves followed'. From "Illustrated London News", 1858.