The UK has repatriated numerous artifacts plundered from present-day Ghana, over 150 years following their initial acquisition.
Around 32 gold and silver pieces have been loaned to the country on a long-term basis by both the Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A) and the British Museum.
These items were taken from the court of the Asante king, also known as the Asantehene, during 19th-century conflicts between the British and the influential Asante people.
The artifacts are slated to be returned to the current king on Friday.
According to Ivor Agyeman-Duah, his chief negotiator, the objects are presently under secure supervision in Ghana, awaiting their formal reception.
Next month, they are scheduled to be exhibited at the Manhyia Palace Museum in Kumasi, the capital of the Ashanti region, as a component of the festivities commemorating the silver jubilee of the current Asante King, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
Included among the repatriated artifacts are a gold peace pipe, a ceremonial sword, and gold insignias worn by officials entrusted with purifying the king’s soul.
These gold artifacts serve as the quintessential emblem of the Asante royal authority and are believed to embody the spirits of past Asante kings.
Nana Oforiatta Ayim, special adviser to Ghana’s culture minister, previously conveyed to the BBC that these objects represent “the essence of the nation” and their return signifies “pieces of ourselves coming back.”
The loan, arranged directly with the king rather than the Ghanaian government, is set for a three-year duration, with the possibility of extending it for an additional three years.
The Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A) is contributing 17 pieces, while 15 items originate from the British Museum.
Both institutions have expressed their satisfaction in returning the objects on loan, viewing it as a significant cultural collaboration.
Certain national museums in the UK, including the V&A and the British Museum, are legally prohibited from permanently repatriating contested items from their collections. Thus, loan agreements like this are perceived as a means to facilitate the return of objects to their countries of origin.
The repatriation of the Asante items precedes by a month the celebrations commemorating the silver jubilee of the Asantehene.
The Asante people established one of the most dominant and influential states in West Africa, engaging in trade involving gold, textiles, and enslaved individuals.
Renowned for its military prowess and opulence, the kingdom’s Asantehene is often adorned with heavy gold bracelets, symbolizing its wealth and status. During official events, he may require assistance to support his arm due to the weight of the gold.
European interest in the region, then known as the Gold Coast, was spurred by tales of African riches, leading to repeated conflicts between Britain and the Asante during the 19th century.
Following an Asante attack in 1874, British forces launched a “punitive expedition,” resulting in the looting of Kumasi and the seizure of numerous palace treasures. Many of the artifacts returned by the V&A were acquired at an auction held on April 18, 1874, by Garrards, the London jewellers responsible for safeguarding the UK’s Crown Jewels. Additionally, some of the items lent by the British Museum were plundered during a later conflict in 1895-96.
The return of these artifacts occurs amidst ongoing discussions regarding the fate of other items removed from their countries of origin, such as the Benin Bronzes and the Elgin Marbles (Parthenon Sculptures).
Certain nations asserting ownership over contested artifacts are wary that loans may imply acquiescence to UK ownership. However, for others, these agreements represent an opportunity for Britain to address the cultural ramifications of its colonial history while fostering stronger relationships for the future.