The return of looted artefacts stolen by the British in the colonial era has been a long time coming for many African nations. However, while Ghana recently celebrated the return of 32 pieces of gold and silver initially taken by British soldiers from the Asante land during the 19th century, Nigeria is yet to showcase their own recovered works of art. Although Nigeria has made strides in the fight to recover stolen Benin Bronzes from Germany, those who fought for the return of the Asante gold have been urging Nigeria to follow Ghana’s lead and showcase the country’s own returned artefacts.
During a convoy in Ghana which delivered the returned precious goods to the Manhyia Palace, home of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the king opened the crates that contained pieces of gold and silver such as necklaces, a ceremonial sword and even a peace pipe stolen by the British. The objects had been in the UK for around a century. While the return of these artefacts in Ghana were celebrated, Nigeria has faced difficulties in its discussions with Western countries regarding the return of their looted artefacts.
The Benin Bronzes, thousands of brass castings and ivory carvings taken by the British from Nigeria during the 19th century, have been at the forefront of the return of looted artefacts debate in Western museums. Nigeria has had some victories, resulting in the German government agreeing to return the Benin Bronzes taken during the Benin Punitive Expedition in 1897. Now, with Ghana’s success in gaining back their own looted treasures from the UK, many hope Nigeria will follow suit in showcasing their own returned works of art.
While the return of the Asante gold to Ghana was done on a long-term loan as UK institutions are prohibited by British law from permanently returning the items, some Nigerians remain sceptical of the loans. Nii Kwate Owoo, a celebrated Ghanaian filmmaker who was present at the ceremony in Kumasi, has compared the situation to “an armed robber coming into your house, mows down your family and grabs your valuables, and comes back later and says ‘OK, you’re making noises, I’ll give this back as a loan!’”. Despite the emotional and complicated negotiations surrounding the terms of the return of looted artefacts, various countries are still hoping their own stolen treasures will be returned to their rightful owners.
Ivor Agyeman-Duah, the director of the Manhyia Palace Museum and a key negotiator in the return of the Asante gold, understands the frustration associated with long-term loans rather than permanent returns. However, he argues that the Asantehene chose the right path and avoided “this stalemate” since conversations surrounding the return of the objects had been going on for 50 years without resolution. With Ghana and Germany now celebrating the return of their own stolen artefacts, eyes now turn to Nigeria to see whether a changed approach in negotiations may finally help the West African country recover its looted treasures
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