The objects have arrived at the king’s court and are due to go on display in May 2024 year at the Manhyia Palace Museum in Kumasi, the capital of the Ashanti region, as part of celebrations to mark the silver jubilee of the current Asante King Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
The loan, which was negotiated with the king and not with the Ghanaian government, will last for three years with the option to extend for a further three years. The Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A) is lending 17 pieces and 15 are from the British Museum.
Among the returned artefacts are a gold peace pipe, a sword of state and gold badges worn by officials charged with cleansing the soul of the king.
The gold artefacts are the ultimate symbol of the Asante royal government and are believed to be invested with the spirits of former Asante kings.
The return of the Asante items comes a month ahead of celebrations marking the silver jubilee of the Asantehene.
The Asante people built what was once one of the most powerful and formidable states in west Africa – trading in, among others, gold, textiles and enslaved people.
The kingdom was famed for its military might and wealth.
