In a historic gesture of reconciliation, the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art in Washington, D.C., has announced that it will return 27 artifacts to Ghana that were looted by British soldiers during the colonial era.
The artifacts, which include gold jewelry, ceremonial swords, and musical instruments, were taken from the Asante Kingdom in 1874, after the British army invaded and burned the capital of Kumasi. The museum acquired the artifacts in 1964 from a private collector, who had bought them from a British auction house.
The decision to return the artifacts was made after a request from the Ghanaian government, which has been seeking the repatriation of its cultural heritage for decades. The museum said that it was motivated by its commitment to ethical stewardship and respect for the people of Ghana.
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The museum also said that it hoped that the return of the artifacts would foster dialogue and collaboration between the two countries, as well as raise awareness about the history and significance of the Asante Kingdom.
The Asante Kingdom was one of the most powerful and influential states in West Africa from the 17th to the 19th centuries. It was known for its rich culture, art, and trade, as well as its resistance to colonial domination. The kingdom was eventually annexed by the British in 1901, after several wars and rebellions.
Many of its treasures were looted or destroyed by the colonial forces, while others were sold or donated to museums and private collectors around the world.
The return of the artifacts is expected to take place later this year, after the completion of legal and logistical procedures. The museum said that it would continue to work with Ghanaian authorities and experts to identify and document other items in its collection that may have been looted or acquired illegally.
The museum also said that it would support Ghana’s efforts to preserve and promote its cultural heritage, through exhibitions, research, education, and exchange programs.
The announcement was welcomed by Ghanaian officials and cultural activists, who praised the museum for its ethical leadership and goodwill. They said that the return of the artifacts would be a symbolic act of healing and justice, as well as an opportunity to celebrate and showcase the rich and diverse culture of Ghana.
They also expressed their hope that other museums and institutions around the world would follow suit and return other looted or stolen artifacts to their rightful owners.