Restitution

Into Africa

What is the history of stolen African artefacts—such as the Benin Bronzes—and what can be done to rectify these wrongs? Judd Devermont is joined by Ciraj Rassool (University of Western Cape), Charlotte Ashamu (Yale University), and Barnaby Phillips (author of Loot: Britain and the Benin Bronzes), to discuss if restitution is enough, and why the growth of the museum industry in Africa is so critical. Plus, they discuss anti-government riots in South Africa and the #FixtheCountry movement in Ghana.

Background readings:

Loot: Britain and the Benin Bronzes - Barnaby Phillips

District Six Museum - Cape Town, South Africa

Charlotte Ashamu, Institute for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage

John Randle Center for Yoruba History and Culture

Zinsou Foundation

Book Bunk

The commemorative state, human remains, and the question of missing-ness- Riedwaan Moosage, Ciraj Rassool, and Nicky Rousseau