THE POLITICS AFFECTING THE RESTITUTION OF AFRICAN CULTURAL PROPERTIES IN THE 21ST CENTURY

Abstract

The history of colonial art restitution is largely one of inaction. However, with renewed calls for stolen African cultural objects to be returned, can it be said that the winds of change are blowing through Europe’s museums – or is it just hot air? Admittedly, the renewed calls for Africa’s looted artefacts to be returned has stirred some European countries into action. In 2022, Germany returned 22 of the famous Benin bronzes to Nigeria, while signing a deal that assures the return of hundreds more (in line with its promise, it returned more bronzes in May 2024). Also, Belgium created a legal framework for future restitutions, and provided the relevant African governments and institutions with lists of the inventory of its Africa Museum in Tervuren. However, while the physical returns are symbolically significant, the numbers show they are only a drop in the ocean. This is not at all surprising because there is an asymmetric relationship of power between the western countries and Africa. The former are the ones to decide when and where the objects are to be returned. And as long as this situation remains, the pace of restitution will remain slow.