Return of Asante Artefacts
On Sunday, the Asante King Otumfuo Osei Tutu II received 130 gold and bronze artefacts. These items were returned from the United Kingdom and South Africa, with some having been acquired during colonial periods and others purchased through open markets.
Details of the Collection
The collection includes royal regalia, drums, and ceremonial gold weights, with origins dating back to the 1870s. These artefacts reflect the historical cultural significance of gold within Asante society.
Donors and Context
Twenty-five of the artefacts were donated by British art historian Hermione Waterfield. The remaining items were provided by South African mining company AngloGold Ashanti.
At a ceremony held at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, AngloGold Ashanti officials stated that their contribution was an act of cultural respect and reconciliation. This action occurs amidst existing tensions in the central Ashanti region, where residents have accused the company of mineral resource exploitation without corresponding local development or job creation. King Otumfuo Osei Tutu II acknowledged AngloGold Ashanti for the voluntary return of artefacts acquired legitimately on open markets, characterizing it as a reflection of "goodwill and respect for the source and legacy of the Asante kingdom."
Hermione Waterfield's Contribution
Hermione Waterfield, a curator who established a department for tribal art at Christie's auction house in the 1970s, has supported West African art restitution. Her donations included a wooden drum, which, according to Manhyia Palace Museum director Ivor Agyeman-Duah, was taken during the 1900 siege of Kumasi by British colonial forces.
Historical Background and Broader Restitution Efforts
The Anglo-Asante wars of the late 19th century involved British forces, during which the Asantehene's palace was subjected to plundering on two occasions. The return of these artefacts is part of a broader trend of African nations seeking the repatriation of cultural items.
Previous instances of restitution include:
- In the past year, 32 artefacts were displayed at the Manhyia Palace Museum as part of a three-year loan agreement between the Victoria & Albert Museum, the British Museum, and the Asante King.
- In 2022, Germany returned Benin bronzes to Nigeria, citing a desire to address its colonial history. These bronzes were acquired by British troops in 1897 from the West African kingdom of Benin, located in present-day Nigeria's Edo state, and subsequently dispersed globally through auctions and collections.