The United Kingdom has taken a significant step in acknowledging its colonial past by returning 32 royal artefacts looted from the Asante Kingdom in the 19th Century. These royal objects, including mostly golden royal regalia, were taken from the Palace in Kumasi during the Anglo-Asante Wars, particularly during the Sagrenti War of 1874. Apexnewsgh reports
The British Museum (BM) and the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) returned the 150-year-old artefacts on Tuesday, April 9. The artefacts will be on loan for an initial three years, with the possibility of renewal for another three years. The loan deal is not with the Ghanaian government but with Otumfo Osei Tutu II – the current traditional ruler of the Ashanti people.
Due to legal restrictions in the UK, it has been impossible to return the artefacts permanently. However, the return of the royal objects is a significant gesture towards recognizing the impact of colonialism on cultures and traditions.
The artefacts will be displayed at the Palace Museum in Kumasi as part of a long-term loan commitment by the Victoria and Albert Museum and the British Museum.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II will receive the objects in specially designed Belgian cases in Kumasi. The Manhyia Palace Museum will be closed for three weeks for installation works and encasing.
The return of the royal artefacts coincides with the silver jubilee anniversary of Asantehene Osei Tutu II, who initiated negotiations for the return of the artefacts last year. These gold and silver regalia are essential symbols of the Asante traditional authority and will be seen by the public in Ghana for the first time in 150 years.
The items, including 15 pieces from the British Museum and 17 from the Victoria and Albert Museum, will be open to the public for display in May.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana
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