Tony Mathiot – an irreplaceable custodian of Seychelles’ history and cultural heritage |26 January 2024

The Seychelles National Institute for Culture, Heritage and the Arts mourns the passing of one of its staunchiest members, Tony Mathiot.

Mr Mathiot, a self-taught historian, was a national encyclopedia of the history of Seychelles. During his over 35 years involvement with the then Culture department, Tony has assisted in the production of the numerous large articles about the historical heritage of Seychelles, which was later compiled into a small book by the National Heritage Research Section, entitled Memories of Seychelles’ Heritage, in 2012.

As a prolific writer, Mr Mathiot’s work has been published in various magazines including the Air Seychelles Inflight Magazine and contributed to several articles and publications such as the National Monuments of Seychelles - 2000, Victoria - a Historical Journey through Photographs - 2020, A History of Seychelles from its Origin to the Present Day - 2020 and Port Victoria - 2023, to name a few.

Mr Mathiot has also been instrumental to numerous TV programmes on both, SBC and Telesesel. He also gave several lectures on the history and heritage of Seychelles to numerous organisations and educational institutions.

Mr Mathiot was such a common sight at the National Archives and the National Museums, that he was eventually given his own desk and office corner where he could carry out his research work. He was much appreciated by all colleagues and friends as well as the general public, as he was very generous with his in-depth knowledge of the history of Seychelles. Mr Mathiot was the go-to person whenever people wanted to clarify certain historical facts and events.

During his time with the Culture Institute Mr Mathiot was appointed as the chairperson of the Seychelles Heritage Foundation on September 15, 2017 for a three-year term. The mandate was then extended a further three months, ending December 31, 2020. A post which he greatly enjoyed as he felt that he could make a difference in the conservation of Seychelles’ cultural heritage, which was one of his passions. He was later appointed in July 2021 as a member of the Advisory Council for the Seychelles National Institute for Culture, Heritage and the Arts. A position which he occupied until his passing. Mr Mathiot was also a member of the Records Committee since April 29, 2010.

An unassuming person, Tony could also have some radical stance on certain issues such as nature conservation, which was at times both amusing and controversial, namely the issue of turtle meat. He was fearless in expressing his views especially in areas related to the conservation of the cultural heritage of Seychelles. He would sometimes express himself during meetings with a string of superlatives, which was both educational and entertaining. His approach would make sure that he is not misunderstood and his point would be well put across.

Tony’s departure will be felt nationally as he was a historian of a different calibre, as well as a creative writer and thinker, with the special skill of expressing himself and historical facts in very clear manner. He was accessible to all levels of readerships, as he had an excellent command of the English language, which was one of his forte.

Tony was great in the art of transmission of knowledge. It is through this that he will live on through a lot of people who knew him, listened to or read what he wrote. Most people who at some point had to learn about the history or heritage of Seychelles, would have directly or indirectly have sponged off from the amazing encyclopedic brain that belonged to Tony Mathiot. You could come up with almost any subject that forms part of Seychelles history, and Tony would give you the scenario of that event, the date it occurred on, and sometimes, even the weather conditions on that particular day. That is what we call first class information. Not only do you get what you are looking for, but you also get a background story, some anecdotes and all the trimmings to go along with it.

Tony was seen as a talker, because he had much to contribute on a lot of subjects. He was also an avidly ferocious reader. Almost as important as that, Tony was an observer, for his hunger for knowledge was unquenchable. He would assimilate everything he hears, and whatever that was, would stay there indefinitely.
For the Seychellois people, we have lost one of our fiercest cultural defenders, protectors, promoters, and a living archive.
For the people Tony worked closely with, they have lost a brother, a dear friend, a counsellor, a confidant. Someone who they could always depend on to lend a listening ear, to advise, or bring a little humour to the conversation. Tony's sense of humour like himself, was unique. He was humble by nature, open, protective, generous, friendly, compassionate, and extremely rare to anger. The most angry thing you would hear from Tony would be, "sa en badinaz sa!", and then he would move on. To the former workers of La Bastille (where it all started), Tony's favourite local fish curry dish would be sadly missed. Or his hikes to heritage sites in order to get one to de-stress and get away from the noise of everyday life.
You have given us your all Tony, without asking for anything in return. Your footsteps have firmly been planted for this generation, and the ones to come, to follow, walk on, and go further. You can rest easy now. The people whose lives you have touched and the ones who are yet to be introduced to the knowledge you have instilled and left behind, will soldier on with what you have passionately gifted us with. Yes, the legend that was Tony Mathiot will live on.

Some more of the articles written by Tony Mathiot:

• Discovering our new National Monuments
• Our Souvenirs of Stone
• Safe and Sound in Seychelles during the Second World War
• Seychelles in the Arms of Mary
• The Deserted Garden of History
• A brief history of fuel in Seychelles
• National Monuments Borad booklet
• The Mission ruins of Venn’s town at Capuçin
• Seychelles during the Second World War
• The history of Regina Mundi

Mr Mathiot’s demise leaves a large gap in the promotion of history and culture, as he was an institution in himself and irreplaceable.  Seychelles mourns deeply his passing as we are left poorer. The Seychelles National Institute for Culture, Heritage and the Arts extends its deepest sympathy to his family, colleagues and friends. 

The accompanying photos show Tony Mathiot engaged in various activities he was passionate about.

Contributed