The first set of stolen artefacts that the British had taken 150 years earlier during the Sagrenti War was turned over on February 8 by a delegation from the Fowler Museum in Los Angeles.
Seven golden artefacts arrived at the Fowler Museum in California 150 years after they were removed from Kumasi. The Kingdom has scheduled the arrival of more artefacts from the British Museum in Ghana for April 2024.
Along with drumming commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Sagrenti War and the Silver Jubilee of Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, there was a colourful display of Asante culture amid the firing of muskets.
The event also represented a significant turning point, since the British Museum and the Fowler Museum in Los Angeles are returning some stolen artefacts to the Asante Kingdom.
The British Museum’s artefacts have not yet arrived at the Manhyia Palace, but some of the ornaments, jewellery, talismans, and other treasures have come from the Fowler Museum.
On the other hand, the Kingdom will receive a limited-time loan of the artefacts from the British Museum, subject to certain requirements.
The Fowler Museum team made an official presentation of the artefacts to the Asantehene. The artefacts have been permanently returned to the Ashanti people, according to Silvia Forni, the director of the Fowler Museum in Los Angeles.
I stand here today, filled with emotion, to present to Your Majesty historical artworks. Some were taken in 1874 as part of a loot from this very location, and others were included in the indemnity that the Asantes were forced to pay the British at the end of the Sagrenti War. Now that these pieces are here, the Asante people will always own them.
These objects have a lengthy and tumultuous history and serve as witnesses to the sad events that have occurred in the Asante kingdom’s past. They also bear witness to the long legacy of elegance, creativity, and skill that has brought Asante arts to the attention of people all over the world. We are happy to see them return to the palace and the legitimate owners’ descendants.
The Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, speaking at the durbar, says the event should strengthen the bonds of unity within the Asante Kingdom.
“I want the Asante Kingdom to continue existing for all of my descendants. They were able to demolish our town, but not the Golden Stool. Instead of fighting for us, our ancestors were interested in selling the kingdom for cash. Let us follow their example and fight for the kingdom.
The Manhyia Palace Museum will retain the artefacts. Politicians that graced the occasion included former president John Dramani Mahama and vice president Dr Mahamudu Bawumia.
