The London Museum has been thanked by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, for restoring stolen certificates from the Asante Kingdom in the 1800s.
32 gold and silver artifacts that were taken from the Asante King‘s court over 150 years ago during the Asante-British conflict were restored by the United Kingdom in April 2024.
The Manhyia Palace, the British Museum, and the Victoria and Albert Museum—where the looted valuables were kept—engaged in years of negotiations before this happened. In the course of the talks, the UK consented to lend the stolen riches to the Asante Kingdom in 2024 in time for the celebration of Otumfuo’s Silver Jubilee as the Asantehene.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, giving a guest lecture at the British Museum, stated that the importance of the strengthening ties between the Asante and the British people is indicated by the repatriation of the artifacts.
He said although the treasures were stolen under unethical circumstances, their return to the Asante Kingdom, albeit on loan, demonstrated the mutual trust and goodwill that exists between the UK and the Asante Kingdom.
“The response of my people to the return of these artefacts have been truly reassuring. The return is being celebrated at one level, with the same reverence as the heroes of a state, returning from enforced exile and at another level, as marking the spiritual reconnection of with lost souls.” the Otumfuo said.
Delivering a lecture on the theme; “Asante Culture and Heritage: Past and Present”, the Otumfuo also said the return of the artefact has renewed the sense of pride in his kinsmen, especially the younger generation.
“Critically for me, it has spurred among the young not just a new model of self-belief and confidence in their heritage but an inspiration to strive to add to that heritage of excellence in creativity and innovation,” the Asante King added.
