The United Kingdom has handed back scores of artefacts stolen about 150 years ago from what was then called the Gold Coast.
They were taken from the palace of the Asante king, known as the Asantehene, during the Anglo-Ashanti wars which took place between 1824-1900.
About 32 pieces of gold and silver have been sent on long-term loan to the country by the Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A) and the British Museum and will be formally received by the current Asante King Otumfuo Osei Tutu II as part of events to commemorate the silver jubilee of his ascension to the throne.
They will be displayed in May at the Manhyia Palace Museum in Kumasi, the capital of the Ashanti region.
A gold peace pipe, a sword of state and gold badges worn by officials charged with cleansing the soul of the king are among the returned artefacts.
The gold artefacts are revered by the Asante people as they are believed to harbour the spirits of their former kings.
Special Adviser to Ghana’s Culture Minister, Nana Oforiatta Ayim, says it was “pieces of ourselves returning”.
The loan was negotiated directly with the king, instead of the government and will last for an initial three years with an option to extend for a further three years.
The V&A and the British Museum are among some national museums that are legally barred from permanently returning disputed items in their possession, so much and loan deals such as this are viewed as a way to allow objects to return to their historical origins.
The Asante people were once renowned for their vast wealth and military might. However, a series of wars with the British ended with many of its treasures carted away.
While these types of loan agreements are seen by some as accepting the UK’s ownership of the items, others feel it is a way to foster better relationships between countries.
