The United Kingdom is set to return a collection of Ghana’s prized “crown jewels” after 150 years, including a gold peace pipe and other significant artefacts that were looted during 19th-century conflicts.
The Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A) and the British Museum are contributing to the return through long-term loan agreements.
The V&A is lending 17 pieces, while the British Museum is contributing 15 items, including a sword of state and gold badges worn by officials tasked with purifying the soul of the Asante king.
Notably, the items are considered the equivalent of the UK’s Crown Jewels, with the V&A director emphasizing a responsibility to share such objects more fairly with their countries of origin.
The loan agreements, spanning three years with an option to extend, are not directly with the Ghanaian government but with Otumfo Osei Tutu II, the current Asante king, also known as the Asantehene.
The items will be displayed at the Manhyia Palace Museum in Kumasi, the capital of the Asante region, to mark the Asantehene’s silver jubilee.
Tristram Hunt, director of the V&A, emphasized that the loan agreements are not a form of restitution by the back door, and they do not imply a transfer of permanent ownership back to Ghana.
The items are regarded as essential symbols of the Asante royal government and are believed to embody the spirits of former Asante kings.
The return of these artefacts is seen as a significant step towards cultural cooperation and healing after generations of tension.
Nana Oforiatta Ayim, special adviser to Ghana’s culture minister, expressed that these objects have spiritual importance and are integral to the soul of the nation.