The United Kingdom has returned 32 gold and silver treasures stolen from the Asante Kingdom during the 19th-century Anglo-Asante wars on a six-year loan to Ghana. The artefacts, which were taken from the court of the Asante king, consist of 15 items from the British Museum and 17 from the Victoria and Albert Museum. Ghanaian authorities have long sought to reclaim these treasures looted by British soldiers, with the goal of preserving their cultural heritage and fostering a sense of pride and connection to their rich history.
Negotiators have confirmed that the returned items will be showcased at the Manhyia Palace Museum in Kumasi, the capital of the Ashanti region, as part of a yearlong celebration honouring the king’s silver jubilee. This loan agreement marks a significant moment in Ghana’s efforts to reclaim and preserve its heritage. International momentum has been growing for museums and institutions to return African artefacts taken by former colonial powers, with Nigeria also negotiating the return of objects looted from the ancient kingdom of Benin. In a similar case, Benin received two dozen treasures stolen by French colonial forces in 1892.
The returned items include a 300-year-old Mponponso sword used in swearing-in ceremonies, a gold peace pipe, and gold discs worn by officials responsible for cleansing the king’s soul. These artefacts hold immense cultural and spiritual significance for the Ashanti people and are part of a loan agreement for an initial three years, renewable for another three. The exhibition showcasing the treasures will be held from May 1, highlighting the importance of reclaiming and preserving cultural heritage to foster a sense of pride and connection to history.
The gold and silver regalia associated with the Asante Royal Court were looted from the palace in Kumasi during the Anglo-Asante wars. The items selected from the British Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum will be loaned separately under two three-year agreements. The return of these cherished artefacts is a significant step towards reclaiming and preserving the cultural heritage of the Asante people, allowing for a renewed sense of pride and connection to their history. The loan of these treasures is a testament to the growing movement for the repatriation of African artefacts taken during colonial times, with a focus on preserving and celebrating the rich cultural heritage of nations like Ghana.
