First set of looted Ashanti artifacts during the Sagrenti war of 1874 returned.
The initial set of ‘stolen’ Asante artifacts, dating back to the Sagrenti War in 1874, has reportedly made its way back to Ghana on Friday, February 2, 2024. According to pro-Manhyia opemsuo.com, this first collection comprises seven pieces from the Fowler Museum of the University of California in Los Angeles, USA. The disclosure of this repatriation was made by Nana Otuo Serebuo II, the Paramount Chief of Juaben Traditional Area and chair of the planning committee for the 2024 Anniversaries of Asanteman, during a press briefing at the Ashanti Regional House of Chiefs.
Nana Otuo Serebuo II announced that the artifacts would be formally presented to the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, on February 8, 2024, as part of an event commemorating the Sagrenti War at the Manhyia Palace. Emphasizing the Asantehene's commitment to the cause, Nana Otuo Serebuo II stated that Otumfuo has focused on bringing back these items since his enstoolment, noting that while the American artifacts have arrived, those from the UK are expected later, by the end of April.
Amidst ongoing discussions regarding the restitution of looted African artifacts from the colonial era, repatriation efforts have gained momentum across the continent. In Ghana, the Asantehene is not only involved in the return of these artifacts but also advocating for the repatriation of Asante gold regalia from British museums, anticipating a positive outcome in 2024. This coincides with the silver jubilee coronation of the 16th Asante monarch.
Preparations are underway at the Manhyia Palace Museum to receive these artifacts, a move expected to boost tourism in the region. The restitution initiatives align with two significant events in 2024 - marking 150 years since the third Anglo-Asante war of 1874 and the centenary of the return of the 13th Asantehene, Prempeh I, from a 28-year exile in the Seychelles archipelago. During a meeting in May 2023 with the Director of the British Museum in London, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II expressed his desire for restitution, receiving assurances that the request would be considered within established legal frameworks.
blogpay
Total Comments: 0