UK Agrees to Return Stolen Royal Artifacts as Loan to Asante Gold

The UK is returning several items looted from Ghana's court of the Asante king 150 years ago. The Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A) and the British Museum will be lending a total of 32 items, including a gold peace pipe, to Ghana under long-term loan deals. The loan agreements, with an option to extend for a further three years, are with Otumfo Osei Tutu II, the current Asante king known as the Asantehene. The items will be displayed at the Manhyia Palace Museum in Kumasi to celebrate the Asantehene's silver jubilee. The return of the items is seen as a way to foster cultural co-operation and heal historic wounds, although some countries have expressed concern that loans may be used to imply acceptance of the UK's ownership. Both the V&A and the British Museum are prohibited from permanently returning contested items in their collections by law. This loan agreement serves as a compromise that works within the legal framework. The UK's approach to contested objects is based on retaining and explaining their context. Tristram Hunt, director of the V&A, hopes for more freedom for museums in relation to restitution, but also suggests the establishment of an appeals committee for restitution cases. Some fear this could lead to British museums losing prized items or sparking discussions about the entire contents of museums. Nevertheless, the loan agreement with Ghana sets a precedent and may pave the way for similar agreements in the future.