Baden-Württemberg claims to be leading the way in coming to terms with the colonial era and its consequences.
The possible restitution of cultural goods and human remains from colonial contexts is embedded in an overall strategy involving museums, universities, archives and the communities of origin – this is the Baden-Württemberg approach.
Petra Olschowski, Minister of Science, Research and Arts: “The question of how we handle cultural goods and other objects in our collections that were acquired in a colonial context is increasingly being discussed – far beyond the museums.
The topic is also gaining relevance in society, as coming to terms with the past is always the starting point for understanding the present. Baden-Württemberg is fulfilling its historical responsibility in this regard.”
- At the beginning of 2019, Baden-Württemberg returned the Bible and whip of the important Nama Kaptein and fighter against colonialism, Hendrik Witbooi, to Namibia.
Both artifacts were looted by German troops in 1893; they were last kept in the Linden Museum in Stuttgart. Together with a delegation of around 20 individuals from the fields of science, culture and politics, the then Minister of Science Theresia Bauer and State Secretary Petra Olschowski travelled to the country of origin to return both objects in person.
This restitution laid the foundation for the Baden-Württemberg approach: restitution is the starting point for a dialogue and equal partnerships with the communities and countries of origin.
The Namibia Initiative was launched on the occasion of this restitution.
The aim is to shape the reconciliation process together with Namibian partners through exchange and joint projects in science and art. Over 30 institutions in Namibia and Baden-Württemberg are part of the initiative.
- Benin bronzes have been returned to Nigeria.
- Ancestral remains have been restituted to delegations from Australia, New Zealand, Hawai’i and Marshall Islands.
