The objects, dating to the 19th century, are symbols of governance, chiefship and royal heritage. Originally crafted by Asante court artisans, they include swords, linguist staffs, palace security locks, rings, necklaces and gold weights. The artefacts were authenticated by historian and associate director of the Manhyia Palace Museum, Ivor Agyeman-Duah.
The objects had been part of the company's Gold of Africa Museum in Cape Town, South Africa, before being transferred to the Javett Art Centre at the University of Pretoria. Their return to Kumasi was approved three weeks ago by the Reserve Bank of South Africa, the statement added.
This restitution brings the total number of cultural objects returned to the Asante Palace this year to 67, the largest repatriation of artefacts in Africa in recent years. Earlier this year, seven items looted during the 1874 Anglo-Asante War were returned by the Fowler Museum at UCLA in California. A further 32 were restituted from the British Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
Neighbouring Nigeria is also negotiating the return of thousands of 16th- to 18th-century objects looted from the ancient kingdom of Benin and held by museums and art collectors across the United States and Europe. And, two years ago, Benin received two dozen treasures and artworks stolen in 1892 by French colonial forces.
Should give them some sort of back profit from the museum.