The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, received 28 royal artefacts looted during the Sagrenti War, marking a symbolic moment for the Asante Kingdom’s history and reconciliation.
The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has officially received 28 royal regalia artefacts looted by the British during the Sagrenti War, also known as the Yaa Asantewaa War. This restitution occurred as part of the centennial celebration of King Prempeh I’s return from exile in Seychelles. The artefacts, which include gold ornaments, ceremonial swords, and treasury padlocks, had been in British custody for over a century before coming into the possession of an art collector in 1922. In 2000, AngloGold Ashanti acquired these treasures and, after years of negotiation, formally returned them to the Asantehene in a ceremony at Manhyia Palace.
The Sagrenti War (1900) was a significant rebellion against British rule, led by Nana Yaa Asantewaa, the Queen Mother of Ejisu. The British army’s defeat of the Asante kingdom resulted in King Prempeh I’s exile to the Seychelles, along with the looting of sacred artefacts. These looted items, now returned, symbolize a major step toward healing past wounds and reaffirming the Asante kingdom’s strength and unity.
Ivor Agyeman Duah, who spearheaded the negotiations, emphasized that the return of the artefacts reaffirms the kingdom’s resilience and cultural pride. Otumfuo Osei Tutu II expressed his gratitude, noting that the return is an important moment in the reconciliation process and a tribute to the legacy of King Prempeh I.
As part of the celebrations marking the 100th anniversary of King Prempeh I’s return, a series of events including a durbar and a symposium on the monarch’s life and contributions were organized. The artefacts will be permanently displayed at the Manhyia Palace Museum, offering the public an opportunity to connect with the kingdom’s rich history and heritage.
This event is seen as a pivotal moment in restoring cultural treasures that were taken during colonial times, contributing to ongoing efforts to repatriate stolen artefacts across the African continent.
Source:The High Street Journal
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