UK returns looted African artefacts, but only ‘on loan’

These artefacts, consisting of 32 gold and silver pieces, were stolen during conflicts between the British and the revered Asante people in the 19th century, writes the BBC.

The move signifies a step towards addressing historical injustices, when the British stole the relics from the court of the Asante king, known as the Asantehene

The artefacts, including a gold peace pipe and ceremonial items, are now on long-term loan to Ghana from the UK’s Victoria & Albert Museum and the British Museum.

King’s jubilee celebrations

The pieces will be displayed at the Manhyia Palace Museum in Kumasi – the capital of the Ashanti region. This is to honour the current Asante King Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, during the upcoming celebrations of his 25th anniversary as king.

The gold artefacts are said to be the ultimate symbol of the Asante royal government.

Special adviser to Ghana’s culture minister, Nana Oforiatta Ayim, says the artefacts are “part of the soul of the nation”; that it was “pieces of ourselves returning.”

British museums ‘banned’ from fully returning artefacts

The loan will last for three years with the option of an extension, and was negotiated with the Asante king rather than the Ghana government.

Both museums have said the returned objects on loan signifies an important cultural collaboration. However, both museums are ‘banned by law’ from permanently returning contested items in their collections.

Some countries who have laid claim to stolen artefacts during colonisation are concerned that these loans mean they accept the UK’s ownership.

The Gold Coast

The Asante people built one of the most powerful states in West Africa, and traded in gold, textiles and enslaved people.

The allure of African riches drew Europeans to what would later be called the Gold Coast. This led to Britain fighting repeated battles with the Asante in the 19th century.

With gold being central to the Asante, when the present-day Asantehene shakes hands at official occasions he is known to be adorned with heavy gold bracelets that weigh him down.

In 1874, British forces conducted a punitive expedition after an Asante attack, seizing numerous treasures from Kumasi.

This included many of the artefacts recently returned by the two British museums. These items were acquired through auctions or looted during subsequent conflicts.

The return of these artefacts coincides with broader discussions around what to do with items taken from their native lands.