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Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, has taken possession of 28 gold artefacts and regalia crafted by royal artisans of the 19th-century Asante Court. The historic presentation occurred during a mini durbar at the Manhyia Palace, coinciding with the centenary of the return from exile of Nana Agyeman Prempeh I, the Asantehene’s grand-uncle.
The collection, which includes linguist staffs, swords, gold weights, security locks, rings, and necklaces, was once part of the Gold of Africa Museum under AngloGold Ashanti’s stewardship in South Africa. Previously housed in Cape Town and later at the Javett Art Centre in Pretoria, the artefacts highlight the exceptional gold craftsmanship of West Africa.
Earlier this year, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II initiated discussions with AngloGold Ashanti, resulting in a deaccession agreement to return the artefacts. After obtaining an export permit from South Africa’s Reserve Bank three weeks ago, the items were officially transferred. The artefacts’ authenticity was verified by historian Ivor Agyeman-Duah, Associate Director of the Manhyia Palace Museum, and Edward Michael Ennin, a former Member of Parliament and AngloGold Ashanti Board member.
This event marks a significant step in Africa’s push to reclaim its cultural heritage. According to Lekgetho Mokola, a Yale University Fellow and former Javett Art Centre Director, the return underscores Africa’s leadership in addressing colonial legacies and reconnecting artefacts with their origins.
The Asantehene’s new acquisitions bring the total number of restituted or loaned Asante artefacts received this year to 67. Notable returns include seven items from the Fowler Museum at UCLA and 32 from the British Museum and Victoria and Albert Museum.
The newly restituted artefacts will become part of the contemporary art gallery at the Manhyia Palace Museum. AngloGold Ashanti’s delegation, led by Stewart Bailey, Chief Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer, will attend the official presentation in Kumasi.
