Decade 2020, restitution of works of art?

The restitution of African works of art was actively tackled during the previous decade. So much so that this issue has been the subject of heated debate. There have been diplomatic friction between France and certain African countries. Injuries and doubts related to the colonization and the acquisition of these works of art have resurfaced.
Thus the decade 2010 ended with an asserted will of the peoples and certain African governments to see their heritage return. On the other hand, the former colonial powers undertook to accompany these restitutions.

Can we really hope to see certain African heritage goods regain their continent during the 2020 decade?

The reception of African works of art

The problem of reception is often put forward so as not to proceed with the restitution of works of art. Indeed, there are many African countries, which unfortunately do not have museums or centers that can adequately receive them. In addition to infrastructure, there is also the issue of training and the availability of qualified personnel. Certain parts require frequent and particular care, calling upon precise know-how. And other concerns and not least, funding. Yes, all of this comes at a cost. Except that currently extremely few budgets of the ministries of culture and, or heritage in Africa can support the necessary investments and expenses. Even today, the majority of Africans juggle day to day to meet their basic needs. It is therefore difficult to consider raising additional taxes, or introducing entry tickets, which can replenish the funds.

These explanations were met with skepticism. They had the advantage of motivating the creation of museums and cultural centers on the continent. Cultural and artistic events have moved to another dimension. Exchange and cooperation programs between professionals and at university level have developed between North and South.
And that’s why we are at a turning point! Many African students are trained. There are more structures and infrastructures ready to receive works of art. The local public is asking for more. African art is really on the rise. Talents are blooming all over Africa, and yet the restitution of works of art has still not started. Yes, there are discussions, returns of this or that piece. But there is no major structured, organized movement and above all an official calendar.

Restitution of works of art, no return

Even if no restitution program for works of art has been decided or announced at European or even French level, a return to the status quo is no longer possible.
The African populations and the diasporas are informed and follow this dossier very closely. They even put pressure on governments on both sides.

The publication of the Sarr-Savoy report, commissioned by Emmanuel Macron, French President, indicates the final restitution of several works across Africa states are getting organized. Benin is very active. A commission was charged with drawing up the inventory of works of art present in French museums. Burkina Faso, Mali and Gabon have also set up working committees, and Côte d’Ivoire has also established a list of 148 works of art that it wishes to recover.

Suffice to say that Africans are not waiting for diplomatic discussions or decisions. They organize themselves.

All this is intensified by the effective return of certain parts. In November 2019, French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe went to Dakar, Senegal, to restore the saber of Omar Saïdou Tall. He played a leading role in the pre-colonial history of Senegal. He is at the origin of the foundation of the Toucouleur Empire and fought the French troops from 1857 to 1859.

We also do not forget the restitution of 26 works of art in Benin, ordered by Emmanuel Macron.

Là où ça coince

The train seems to be launched. The question then arises as to why an official calendar has still not been published, at least for the works already listed and requested.

This is where the problem lies. When the Sarr-Savoy report was published, we heard harsh criticism. People also taking offense at “the ingratitude of African countries“. They would be very happy to recover works that have been saved and protected by Europeans. And, in France, notably certain laws simply do not allow the restitution of works of art to African States.

In fact, restitution collides under French law with the principle of inalienability of the goods constituting the collections of public museums devoted to articles L451-5 of the heritage code and L3111-1 of the General Code of the property of public persons (CGPPP), of unseizability (article L2311-1 of the CGPPP) and of imprescriptibility (article L3111-1 of the CGPPP) (source: https://www.august-debouzy.com/fr/blog/1266-restitution-doeuvres-dart- to-Africa-a-legal-puzzle).

Finally, the restitution of works of art to African countries could motivate or even boost demand, also, between European States. The United Kingdom holds Greek works of art, long claimed by Greece.

However, the machine is on and it seems neither ready to stop nor to slow down.

Article of Christelle Kamanan, translated from French to English by Gova-Media.

Author: Christelle Kamanan

Travel addicted willing to explore the world as much as I can. As a native from Africa, I want to tell the world about all the diversity of its cultures and art.