Asante gold artefacts: Ghana rejoices as ‘crown jewels’ looted by British put on display
ACCRA - Looted artefacts from the Asante kingdom are finally on display in Ghana, 150 years after British colonisers took them.
Ghanaians flocked to the Manhyia Palace Museum in Kumasi, the capital of Asante region, to welcome the 32 items home.
“This is a day for Asante. A day for the Black African continent. The spirit we share is back,” said Asante King Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
At this stage the items have only been loaned to Ghana for three years. However, this loan can be extended.
The agreement is between two British museums - the Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A) and British Museum and the Asante king, not the
Ghanaian government.
The Asante king, or Asantehene, is seen as a symbol of traditional authority, and is believed to be invested with the spirits of his predecessors. But his kingdom is now part of Ghana’s modern democracy.
“Our dignity is restored,” Henry Amankwaatia, a retired police commissioner and proud Asante, said in an interview, over the hum of jubilant drumming.
The V&A is lending 17 pieces while 15 are from the British Museum. The return of the artefacts coincides with the silver jubilee celebration of the Asantehene.
Some of the items, described by some as “Ghana’s crown jewels” were looted during the Anglo-Ashanti wars of the 19th Century, including the famous Sargrenti War of 1874.
Other items like the gold harp (Sankuo) were given to a British diplomat in 1817.
“We acknowledge the very painful history surrounding the acquisition of these objects. A history tainted by the scars of imperial conflict and colonialism,” said Dr Tristam Hunt, director of the Victoria and Albert Museum, who has travelled to Kumasi for the ceremony.
Among the returned artefacts are the sword of state, gold peace pipe and gold badges worn by officials charged with cleansing the soul of the king.
“These treasures have borne witness to triumph and trials of the great kingdom and their return to Kumasi is testament to the power of cultural exchange and reconciliation” said Dr Hunt. –