Madagascar workshop revives 17th century shipwreck treasures

In a workshop in Madagascar, craftsmen are meticulously recreating the Soleil d’Orient, a French trading ship that sank in 1681 while transporting treasure and ambassadors from Siam to France. Rafah Ralahy, a skilled artisan with 30 years of experience, emphasizes the importance of accuracy in the model-making process, using original building plans sourced from maritime museums. Le Village, the company behind this endeavor, has been producing historical ship models since 1993 and has garnered a global clientele, including royal customers seeking authentic representations of their ancestors' vessels. The current owners, who acquired the company last year, aim to revitalize it financially and expand its operations by establishing a woodworking school and a maritime museum. The intricate craftsmanship involved in creating these models can take over 1,000 hours, with various specialists contributing to different aspects of the work. The project not only honors the legacy of the original ship but also aims to preserve and promote the art of model shipbuilding in Madagascar.