Restitution of lots of art objects
A moral duty for Africa !

A crucial issue for
rehabilitate the history of peoples

 

       For many years, the question of the restitution of African art objects looted during colonization has been a hot topic. Western museums are full of pieces of African art and many Africans want to recover these looted objects. What can the restitution of these art objects bring to African people today ?

       This restitution is both full of meaning and decisive for the historicity of the African continent. The impact of the return of these leaders of work on their land of origin has of course historical value, artistic and cultural for the African people who inherited it of their ancestors. For the African people, these objects are symbols of their identity and have deep meaning. This art is an integral part of African history. It is a considerable part of its cultural heritage. Let us remember that the spoliation of these objects was not only an act of theft, but also a symbolic gesture which marked the different periods of colonial domination. The objects were taken from African people with the sad aim of depriving them of their history, humiliating them and dominating them culturally. This is why their restitution would provide justice to African peoples once stripped of their cultural heritage.

         This is obviously a moral duty for the former colonial powers. It also marks recognition of past wrongs and allows concrete steps to be taken now to right the injustices committed. Through restitution, the countries having removed these works of art from their continent of origin recognize that African people are the rightful owners of their cultural heritage and that their history must be celebrated and protected.
               It is therefore an act of justice, a recognition of history and a moral duty. European museums have a pivotal role to play in this matter and must demonstrate goodwill to return these objects to the African people who created and venerated them for centuries. This is a considerable step towards cultural reconciliation and mutual respect between peoples.

Durand BIYONG