British museums to return looted royal Ghana treasures under a long-term loan arrangement

The British Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum will give back gold and silver artifacts looted during colonial times from Ghana’s Asante royal court, AFP quoted the museums and the palace as saying on Thursday.

This move aligns with the increasing global momentum urging museums and institutions to repatriate African artifacts taken by former colonial powers such as Britain, France, Germany, and Belgium.

Under a long-term loan agreement, the artifacts, including a 300-year-old Mponponso sword utilized in Asantehene swearing-in ceremonies, a gold peace pipe, and cast gold soul-washers’ badges, among other valuable items, will be returned to Ghana.

These treasures, totaling 32 items, were originally seized after the third Anglo-Asante War in 1874. Of these, 15 artifacts are from the British Museum, and 17 are from the Victoria and Albert Museum, both located in London.

The returned artifacts will be exhibited in Kumasi, the capital of the Asantehene kingdom, at the Manhyia Palace Museum for a period of up to six years, according to the announcement from the royal palace. This marks a significant step toward addressing historical injustices and fostering cultural restitution.

“Items of gold and silver regalia associated with the Asante royal court will be displayed in Kumasi later this year as part of a long-term loan commitment by the British Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum,” AFP quoted the museums as saying in a joint statement.

“Many of these items will be seen in Ghana for the first time in 150 years,” it added.

The repatriation coincides with three milestones in the Ashanti kingdom: the 150th anniversary of the 1874 war, the centenary celebration marking the return of one king, Asantehene Agyeman Prempeh I, from exile after he was banished, and the silver jubilee of the current king, Asantehene Osei Tutu II.

Quick Reads

View All

‘It’s no secret’: Russia says Ukraine must cede all of Donbas for truce as part of Putin-Trump formula

Successful India makes world ‘more stable and secure’: EU chief Ursula ahead of trade deal

It comes after almost half a century of discussions between Manhyia palace, especially with the British Museum.

Asantehene Osei Tutu II appointed two technical advisors to facilitate the return: Ghanaian historian Ivor Agyeman-Duah and Scottish historian and former vice principal of the University of Glasgow, Malcolm McLeod.

Nigeria is also negotiating the return of thousands of 16th to 18th century metal plaques, sculptures and objects looted from the ancient Kingdom of Benin and currently held in museums and with art collectors across the United States and Europe.

Two years ago, neighbouring Benin republic received two dozen treasures and artworks stolen in 1892 by French colonial forces from the capital of the former Kingdom of Dahomey.

The return of the treasures to Ghana comes amid ongoing pressure on Britain from Greece over the Parthenon Marbles.

The sculptures were removed from the Parthenon temple at the Acropolis in Greece in the early 19th century by British diplomat Thomas Bruce, the earl of Elgin.

Athens maintains the marbles were stolen, which Britain denies, and the issue has been a source of contention between the countries for decades.

With inputs from agencies