32 royal artifacts looted from Ghana’s Asante Kingdom in the 19th Century have been returned by the United Kingdom. These objects, taken from the Palace in Kumasi during the Anglo-Asante Wars, including the notorious Sargrenti War of 1874, were handed back on Tuesday by the British Museum (BM) and the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A).
The 150-year-old royal regalia, predominantly crafted from gold, will be on loan initially for three years, with the option to renew for another three years. Notably, the loan agreement is not with the Ghanaian government but directly with Otumfo Osei Tutu II, the current traditional ruler of the Ashanti people, due to legal constraints in the UK preventing permanent return.
This significant return coincides with the silver jubilee anniversary of Asantehene Osei Tutu II, who initiated negotiations in May the previous year. “Gold and silver regalia, associated with the Asante royal court, will be displayed at the Palace Museum as part of a long-term loan commitment by the Victoria & Albert and the British Museum,” stated the Asante Palace.
The artifacts, symbols of Asante traditional authority, will be received by Otumfuo Osei Tutu II in specially designed Belgian cases in Kumasi. Subsequently, the Manhyia Palace Museum will be temporarily closed for three weeks for installation and encasing works.
These returned gold artifacts hold immense cultural significance, with many set to be viewed in Ghana for the first time in 150 years. Among the items are 15 pieces from the British Museum and 17 from the Victoria & Albert Museum, all of which will be accessible to the public in May.