The King of the Asante Kingdom, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has paid a visit to the Victoria and Albert (V&A) Museum, one of the two British museums that lent back a few looted Asante artefacts in their possession and on display in their galleries in the United Kingdom (UK).
His Majesty’s visit to the place on Thursday, July 18, 2024, is ahead of his scheduled lecture at the British Museum on July 19, 2024.
As part of the visit, Otumfuo toured the museum’s gallery and held a private conversation with the museum management led by Director Tristram Hunt.
Quest for More
The King by this visit and subsequent lecture seeks to acquire more of his bona fide properties in the possession of these two Museums.
He made this publicly known during a courtesy call by the American Consul General in Ghana, Elliot Fertik on June 21, 2024.
Otumfuo said he is going to push for more to be released.
“I have received some items from America. Interestingly, that was given to me forever. But the one I got from Britain is not. After three years it is subject to renewal for another three years. Can you imagine my own items that were looted from here but we had to agree for my people to know the spirit is back.”
He continued, “It is the soul of the people and I’m glad we’ve gotten it back. I will be giving a lecture in July at the British Museum and I’m looking forward to attracting more of the artefacts. But we will display it for the next three years and renew it for another three years.”
Returned Artefacts
The British Museum and the V&A Museum have returned 15 and 17 treasures respectively of the looted goods; however, on a loan deal.
The deal is effective for three years and renewable for another three years.
The British Museum Act 1963 prohibits museums from removing an artefact from its collections unless it is a duplicate, damaged or unfit.
The artefacts were stolen by the British during the 1874 Sagrenti and subsequent wars.
Source: Manhyia Palace
