Asante Gold: UK to return Ghana’s stolen “crown jewels”

The UK has decided to return some of Ghana’s valuable artifacts, which were looted from the court of the Asante king 150 years ago. Among the 32 items being returned on long-term loan agreements are a gold peace pipe and various regalia.

The Victoria & Albert Museum and the British Museum are lending 17 and 15 pieces respectively. This move is seen as a step towards cultural cooperation after years of anger. However, some countries are concerned that loan agreements may imply acceptance of the UK’s ownership.

Tristram Hunt, director of the V&A, emphasized the importance of sharing these objects more fairly and building partnerships and exchanges.

The loan agreements, lasting three years with an option to extend, are made with the current Asante king, Otumfo Osei Tutu II, rather than the Ghanaian government. This new cultural partnership is not intended as a restitution of permanent ownership to Ghana.

The Manhyia Palace Museum in Kumasi, the capital of the Asante region, will showcase the Asante gold artifacts to commemorate the Asantehene’s silver jubilee.

These artifacts hold immense significance as they are considered the ultimate symbol of the Asante royal government and are believed to embody the spirits of past Asante kings. In Ghana, these artifacts hold a comparable importance to the Benin Bronzes, which were thousands of sculptures and plaques looted by Britain from the Kingdom of Benin in present-day southern Nigeria.

Nigeria has long been advocating for the return of these looted treasures. Nana Oforiatta Ayim, special adviser to Ghana’s culture minister, emphasized that these artifacts are not mere objects but hold spiritual importance and are an integral part of the nation’s soul.

The loan of these artifacts marks a positive step forward, providing an opportunity for healing and commemoration of the violence that occurred during the looting.

It is worth noting that UK museums possess numerous items taken from Ghana, including the renowned gold trophy head, a significant piece of Asante regalia.

The Asante kingdom was once a dominant force in West Africa, known for its military prowess and wealth derived from trade in gold, textiles, and enslaved individuals.

The allure of African wealth attracted Europeans to the region, leading to repeated conflicts between Britain and the Asante in the 19th century. In 1874, following an Asante attack, British troops launched a “punitive expedition,” resulting in the ransacking of Kumasi and the seizure of many palace treasures.