The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has taken delivery of 28 gold artefacts and regalia originally crafted by royal artisans of the 19th-century Asante Court.
The presentation took place during a mini durbar at the Manhyia Palace, coinciding with the centenary commemoration 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, were previously part of the Gold of Africa Museum of AngloGold Ashanti in South Africa.
The pieces were acquired by the company as part of the Barbier-Mueller Collection of African Art in 2000. This collection showcased West Africa’s finest gold craftsmanship and was housed in a historic building in Cape Town before being relocated to the Javett Art Centre at the University of Pretoria.
Return Through Deaccession Agreement
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II initiated discussions with AngloGold Ashanti earlier this year, resulting in an agreement to return the artefacts to Ghana. The deaccession process was completed following the issuance of an export permit by the Reserve Bank of South Africa three weeks ago.
The artefacts were authenticated by historian Ivor Agyeman-Duah, Associate Director of the Manhyia Palace Museum, in collaboration with Edward Michael Ennin, a former Member of Parliament for Obuasi and a member of AngloGold Ashanti’s Ghana Board.
Historic Restitution in Africa
This restitution adds to the growing trend of cultural artefacts being returned to Africa. According to Lekgetho Mokola, a Fellow of Yale University’s Director’s Forum and former Director of the Javett Art Centre, this is a significant step in Africa’s efforts to reclaim its heritage and address colonial legacies. “Africa is now leading the way in internal restitution,” Mokola remarked. “This return highlights the importance of reuniting artefacts with their cultural roots.”
A Year of Remarkable Returns
The return of these artefacts brings the total number of restituted or loaned Asante cultural items received by the Manhyia Palace this year to 67—a record in Africa for a single year.
Earlier this year, the Fowler Museum at UCLA returned seven objects looted during the 1874 Anglo-Asante War, while 32 items were sent back by the British Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum.
The newly returned artefacts will become part of a contemporary art gallery recently added to the Manhyia Palace Museum. An AngloGold Ashanti delegation, led by Chief Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer Stewart Bailey, will join the official presentation ceremony in Kumasi.
This historic event underscores the ongoing commitment to restoring cultural heritage to its rightful owners, fostering a deeper appreciation for Africa’s rich history and craftsmanship.
