UK Museums Return Looted Artifacts to Ghana Amid Global Repatriation Debate
By: Vennisa Owusu-Barfi
In a landmark move, the British Museum and the Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A), are set to return 32 looted gold and silver artifacts to Ghana under a long-term loan arrangement. The collaborative effort, also involving the Manhyia Palace Museum in Ghana, marks a significant development in the ongoing global conversation surrounding the repatriation of cultural treasures acquired during the era of colonialism.
Looted Asante Artifact | Source: The Guardian
The Historical Context
The artifacts in question, including 13 pieces of Asante royal regalia acquired by the V&A at auction in 1874, bear the scars of a tumultuous history. These items were looted by British troops during the Anglo-Asante wars of the late 19th century, underscoring their cultural, historical, and spiritual significance to the Asante people. The artifacts, while only a fraction of those held in the UK, represent a poignant connection to British colonial history in West Africa.
Looted Artifact from the British Museum | Source: Forbes
Global Reassessment and Demands for Repatriation
The move comes amidst a global reassessment of colonialism and the exploitation of local populations, prompting countries such as Nigeria, Egypt, and Greece, along with indigenous peoples from various regions, to demand the repatriation of artifacts and human remains. Recently, Nigeria and Germany signed a deal for the return of Benin Bronzes, and French President Emmanuel Macron signed over the Abomey Treasures to present-day Benin.
Controversies and Legal Constraints
The decision to return the artifacts to Ghana is not without controversy. The UK's National Heritage Act of 1983 and the British Museum Act of 1963 prevent the permanent restitution of objects from their collections. Instead, the long-term loan model has been employed, raising concerns about perpetuating the notion that the UK retains rightful ownership of contested cultural objects.
Asante King: Otumfuo Osei Tutu II | Source: GhanaWeb
A Unique Approach with Asante King's Involvement
What sets this collaboration apart is that it was established not with the Ghanaian government but with the Asante king, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II. While he holds a ceremonial role, the king's influence and reverence within Ghana's Ashanti Region played a pivotal role in navigating the complexities of repatriation. This model could serve as a potential blueprint for future negotiations.
The Path Forward
While the agreement does not solve the overarching problem, it has sparked a conversation and established a forward motion that may be hard to stop. The objects will be displayed at the Manhyia Palace Museum in Kumasi, reopening in April to commemorate 25 years of Osei Tutu II's reign. The hope is that this collaboration buys time for a more sustainable mechanism and, perhaps, a reevaluation of UK laws governing cultural repatriation.
The return of looted artifacts to Ghana reflects a pivotal moment in the global dialogue on cultural repatriation. As nations grapple with the complex legacies of colonialism, museums and governments must find innovative solutions to address historical injustices. While the long-term loan model has its critics, the collaboration between UK museums and the Asante king presents an opportunity for continued dialogue and, potentially, a more equitable resolution to the complex issue of repatriation.