There has been a recent and growing call for all African artefacts to be returned home but is it that simple? Where would they go? What do we actually know about these artefacts ? What of African AND Caribbean diaspora who feel that the artefacts bring them closer to home? Are museums making the collections online a step forward or just delaying the inevitable? What do you think?
JC NialaBeginner
What should happen to African artefacts held in European museums?
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Farotimi Damilare
well looking and reflecting back at the decades of black slavery and the contemporary complicity of white Americans & europeans in perpetuating racial injustice where some of these African historic Artifacts & treasures are stolen or acquired under questionable circumstances. so yeah i believe we should call for repatriation of those artifacts because having them in European & American museums is robbing an entire African generation a chance to connect, inspire with its past and appreciate its future. it’s not for them to have in the first place but at the same time how are we even connected with the relics we have here. how connected are we to our history?
Mercy korir
I don’t think it’s in ideal idea for Africans to fight for the artifacts in foreign countrys way? the same people have never and will not keep their cultural practices ,do you think they will appreciate the artifacts that they don’t know what its symbolises ,how can they penefit from it as nation , let those African American take advantage and have something that reminds them of there home land by visiting museums .
JC Niala
There are certainly people in the diaspora who will agree with you about the access that they have to these artefacts currently – and it is true cultural practices change all the time.
Phanice Wamukota
So few of us will even bother to go see the artifacts because we are already home. I mean, when is the last time you visited a museum as a local tourist? In my opinion, they can stay in whichever continents they are but displayed especially for our black brothers and sisters who would want to have a feel of a home so far away. A home that their ancestors came from. Proceeds made from these can go towards supporting the black culture in an effort to instill a sense of belonging to our brothers and sisters overseas.
JC Niala
I have to say that I go to museums at home all the time – but I also am aware that many people don’t. You have made me think about an interesting idea – what would a museum in Europe look like that is purposely made for our diaspora?
Phanice Wamukota
I’m sure if done well, we won’t be disappointed. Imagine the quality of an artefact good enough to crossed the oceans….
JC Niala
what a beautiful thought – thank you!
Martyn Seruni
What are we so attached to the past when we can not even take care of what we have presently. Have you seen the levels of corruption in the country? And that’s what we know. This is important but we need to clean up the offices before bringing in the pizza ?
JC Niala
what an analogy! I hear you.
JC Niala
That’s a good question Precious – there’s work to be done on the continent and also chains of knowledge can get broken. In some communities people who really know about the artefacts have transitioned – but there are also systems of remembering. What do you think we can do to help understand our history?
Precious Wamau
Many people are quick to say they want all that back, would we still have all of it if it was here in the first place. If we did, how many of us would be willing to visit these spaces? I know friends who have been to the National Archives once their whole life yet they pass outside that building each day while heading home.
The question is not really about them returning it here. Have we learnt the true meaning of independence or are we still exited about the idea of self-rule like a teenager who just hit 18 and is tasting beer?
I see more of justice and conscience in this conversation that who rightly owes what to the other.
JC Niala
The question of whether we would have it here is pertinent – ways of doing things change and perhaps we would have moved on or he artefacts themselves would have transitioned – its hard to know. Have you ever asked your friends why they don’t go to the National Archives – I would be really keen to hear their answers. Also even if no one goes to see the artefacts when they are returned – does it matter?
I did not really get what you meant by justice and conscience – could you explain more?
Zulekha Kananu
They were stolen and should be brought back along with payment for all the money those museums have made by displaying theft. Some of our children will never know our history because it is stored under lock and key overseas by people who are making millions from them.
JC Niala
That’s a really good point about our children and history – I am curious about the idea that museums are making millions – who is making the money and how? I only ask because most museums in the U.K. for example do not charge an entry fee. Also in some U.K. museums up to 95% of the artefacts are not on display – they are in stores. which raises another whole set of issues. would appreciate your thoughts including where you think they should go when they arrive on the continent? Individual families? Museums?
Zulekha Kananu
Wow, I didn’t know that 95% of the artefacts are not on display and that they don’t charge. That’s new information to me. Somehow, I thought they charge for it or the people who have personal items auction them or something.
However, to make money from a museum you don’t necessarily need to have an entrance fee. There are thousands of tourists who visit your country or city because of these artefacts and they end up bringing in foreign currency, spending in your country and since things like hotels are generally expensive when near museums you indirectly pay for it.
JC Niala
(I’m playing devil’s advocate here) I guess the tricky part is proving that tourists traveled to a particular country or city specifically to see African artefacts. Thanks for your thoughts.
Precious Wamau
@Zulekha, do you really think our children have already visited the history places that exist? And if they bring back the artefacts will we suddenly understand our history?