The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has received 130 gold and bronze artefacts returned from the United Kingdom and South Africa — some of which were looted during colonial times while others were later acquired through legitimate trade.
The historic items, including royal regalia, ceremonial gold weights, and drums dating back to the 1870s, highlight the deep cultural and spiritual role of gold in Asante heritage.
Twenty-five of the artefacts were donated by British art historian Hermione Waterfield, while the rest were presented by South African mining giant AngloGold Ashanti.
During a colourful ceremony at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, representatives from AngloGold Ashanti said their gesture was a mark of cultural respect and reconciliation.
Tensions have existed between the mining firm and residents of the Ashanti Region, who accuse the company of exploiting local resources with little contribution to community development.
In his address, the Asantehene expressed gratitude to AngloGold Ashanti for voluntarily returning artefacts that were legitimately obtained, describing the act as one of “goodwill and respect for the heritage of the Asante Kingdom.”
According to the Manhyia Palace Museum, Ms. Waterfield’s donation included a wooden drum believed to have been looted during the 1900 siege of Kumasi by British colonial forces. She was a pioneer in promoting African art at Christie’s auction house in London and a long-time advocate for the restitution of West African artefacts.
The late 19th-century Anglo-Asante wars led to multiple raids on the Asante palace, resulting in the loss of many royal treasures.
In recent years, African nations have intensified calls for the repatriation of cultural artefacts seized during the colonial era. In 2023, 32 looted artefacts were loaned to the Manhyia Palace Museum by the Victoria and Albert Museum and the British Museum.
Germany also made global headlines in 2022 when it returned the Benin Bronzes to Nigeria, marking a major step toward addressing the injustices of colonial plunder.