endless debate over Return of jewels looted by the UK during the colonial period opened a new page this Thursday. The British Museum and the Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A) have signed an agreement with the current representative of the Asante kingdom in Ghana to return almost temporarily. about thirty gold objects They were taken from their real owners in the 19th century. The agreement represents a new step in the return of artworks stolen by British authorities over the years. opens the door to future agreements with institutions from other countriesThey are also demanding the return of jewels and works of art, as are Greece and Nigeria.
The agreement between the two museums and the current Asante king, Otumfo Osei Tutu II, initial period three yearsalthough it is renewable indefinitely. While the British Museum will deliver 15 pieces, the V&A will deliver 17 more pieces, including insignia, rings and swords, as well as other gold objects used in the rites and ceremonies of the Asante people for years. “This is a good starting pointNana Oforiatta Ayim, special advisor to Ghana’s Minister of Culture, told the BBC. “This also includes reparation and remembrance for the violence that occurred,” she added.
Return of assets
The heads of the two museums expressed their intention to reach more such agreements as a way to temporarily reinstate the affected countries; because British law prevents the definitive return of the parts for now. “If we keep objects that originate from plunder in war and military operations, we have a responsibility to the countries of origin to consider that.” How can we share these more fairly today?“said Tristram Hunt, director of the V&A.
Some agreements that will be implemented if they come true Between individuals or institutions, not between governmentsBecause the affected countries fear that if they officially accept the loans, they will not be able to claim private ownership of the looted relics.
Museum officials defended this solution despite criticism from those who supported keeping the works in the UK, who feared the works would not be treated appropriately or returned when the deadline passed. Some opponents claim the deal would open the door to other similar cases and end the raison d’être of institutions like the British Museum or the V&A, but Hunt insists that’s just that a small fraction of approximately three million objects and the works of art exhibited in his museum were claimed by their so-called legitimate owners.
Changes in the law
While there may be similar deals in the future, the prospect of the British Parliament changing the laws preventing the return of centuries of plundered heritage seems remote. Neither the Conservative Party nor the Labor Party are clearly willing to do this. Tensions with affected countries.
The most recent case was a dispute between Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his Greek counterpart Kyriakos Mitsotakis after the Prime Minister canceled a meeting they were due to have in London at the end of November. Return of Parthenon marbles to Greece. The British Government has criticized Greek officials and even Henry III, who attended COP-28 wearing a Greek flag tie shortly after the debate. Despite pressure from Charles, he insisted not to consider this possibility.
George Osborne, the British Museum’s former chancellor of the exchequer and current chairman of the board of trustees, reassured his intention to achieve this target in December. A “practical, pragmatic and rational” way to advance the return of artefactsPutting aside disagreements between governments. Hunt agrees, pointing out that the agreement to temporarily return the Asande jewels is a way to avoid politics when long-term solutions are out of reach.