The Cameroonian Restitution Committee is expected to visit Freiburg in mid-July to oversee the physical transfer of the ancestral remains.
The Freiburg repatriation could be a decisive step in German-Cameroonian efforts to come to terms with colonial history. Intensive discussions between Cameroon’s Restitution Committee and German institutions had already taken place last year. It had been agreed that, in a ‘first wave’, culturally appropriated artefacts from museums in Berlin, Stuttgart, Munich and Bremen should be returned.
The Nso have announced a ritual cleansing ceremony to support their claim for the return of Ngonnso.
The repatriation of the Maka ancestors from Freiburg has triggered mixed feelings among other Cameroonian communities. For example, representatives of the Nso are wondering when the Cameroonian government will grant permission for the return of their mother goddess, Ngonnso. They have been campaigning for this for over 30 years. There are no obstacles on the German side.
The Cameroonian Minister of Culture has commissioned the drafting of a national framework document for restitutions. This guideline, the Minister is quoted as saying, is intended to serve as a legal and diplomatic model for all other communities in Cameroon wishing to claim their heritage or ancestors still held abroad. No details were provided regarding the document’s completion date or any related dialogue processes within the country.
A national tribute to the Museum of Cameroon As soon as the Maka ancestral remains return to Cameroonian soil, these mortuary remains will not go directly to the east of the country. A solemn stopover is planned at the National Museum.
- The concept: A space for contemplation and not a classic exhibition.
- The symbol: To allow the entire nation to salute the sacrifice of these “National Heroes”.
