The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has received 28 gold artefacts and regalia originally crafted by royal artisans of the 19th-century Asante Court. The presentation was held at the Manhyia Palace during a mini durbar commemorating the centenary of the return from exile of Otumfuo’s grand-uncle, Nana Agyeman Prempeh I.
The artefacts, which include linguist staffs, swords, palace security locks, rings, necklaces, and gold weights depicting crocodiles and proverbs, are a testament to the Asante Kingdom’s intricate craftsmanship and cultural heritage. They were previously housed at the Gold of Africa Museum, owned by AngloGold Ashanti, in South Africa. The museum originally acquired them as part of the Barbier-Mueller Collection of African Art in 2000, which showcased West Africa’s finest gold artistry.
Return Through Deaccession Agreement
The repatriation of these artefacts was made possible through discussions initiated by Otumfuo Osei Tutu II with AngloGold Ashanti earlier this year. The transfer process was formalized through a deaccession agreement, with the Reserve Bank of South Africa granting the necessary export permit three weeks ago.
The authenticity and historical significance of the artefacts were confirmed by Ivor Agyeman-Duah, Associate Director of the Manhyia Palace Museum, in partnership with Edward Michael Ennin, a member of AngloGold Ashanti’s Ghana Board and former Member of Parliament for Obuasi.
A Growing Movement of Restitution in Africa
The return of these artefacts highlights the broader movement to restore cultural treasures to their places of origin. Lekgetho Mokola, a Fellow of Yale University’s Director’s Forum and former Director of the Javett Art Centre, emphasized the significance of this gesture. “Africa is now leading the way in internal restitution,” Mokola remarked. “This return highlights the importance of reuniting artefacts with their cultural roots.”
The trend of returning cultural heritage items is gaining momentum across Africa as nations and institutions increasingly advocate for the return of looted artefacts to address the legacies of colonization.
A Record Year for Restitution
The 28 artefacts bring the total number of restituted or loaned Asante cultural items received by the Manhyia Palace in 2024 to 67—a historic record for Africa in a single year.
Earlier this year:
- The Fowler Museum at UCLA returned seven objects looted during the 1874 Anglo-Asante War.
- 32 items were sent back by the British Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum.
These artefacts will now be displayed in a newly added contemporary art gallery at the Manhyia Palace Museum, further enriching its collection.
Official Presentation and Significance
An official ceremony to celebrate the handover of the artefacts will be attended by an AngloGold Ashanti delegation, led by Chief Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer Stewart Bailey, in Kumasi.
This historic event not only underscores the Asantehene’s dedication to preserving Asante heritage but also represents a collective effort to restore Africa’s cultural treasures, ensuring that future generations appreciate the richness of the continent’s history and artistry.
