Kwame Opoku is worried that loans are replacing restitution.
The restitution-practice of most former colonial powers, including France, GB, Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands, shows that they try to postpone restitution as long as possible. Their mouths are full of it.
Opoku analyses what museums in France, Germany, GB, The Netherlands and the USA have done so far. Lengthy provenance research programs, loans – not only to countries of origin but also to third parties as in the case of the exhibition in Abu Dhabi -, arguments that many objects entered Western collections before colonialism or were gifts, and and others instruments are used for this.
Opoku wonders whether loans can be legal or legitimate, as many objects have been stolen. Can a thief impose such a condition? And does the museum part of the income out of this loan to the country op origin?
RM*’s conclusion from Kwame Opoku’s article: The constructive spirit of the 2018 Sarr – Savoy report does no longer impact the restitution debate. It faces many enemies.
