Asanteman to Take Delivery of Over 200 Artefacts Stolen by British

The Asante Kingdom is set to take delivery of over 200 more Asante artefacts that were stolen by the British over 100 years ago.

The priceless artefacts, believed to have a ‘spirit-attachment’, will be returned by South Africa-based firm AngloGold Ashanti.

It comes after 28 of them were returned by the firm last year.

These artefacts acquired in 1922 by Swiss art collector Joseph Mueller, have since 2000 been housed in the Gold of Africa Museum in Cape Town after they were purchased as part of the Barbier-Mueller Collection by the gold firm.

During a courtesy call on May 2, 2025, the Chief Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Office of AngloGold Ashanti, Stewart Bailey, announced to the Manhyia Palace the planned release of a significant collection.

He said the paperwork for the release was being processed.
 

“They will be delivered once the necessary paperwork is done to be displayed in that magnificent facility so that the people in Kumasi and Ashanti Region and Ghana and the entire continent can look at these amazing examples of craftsmanship and artisanship.”

The King of the Asante Kingdom, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, welcomed the news, noting that the message carried sentimental value for the people.

He explained that the artefacts hold spiritual significance, adding that many students are drawn to the Manhyia Museum to experience the artefacts that have already been returned.

“I couldn’t say thank you enough to you and your company. Though it’s a collection you have bought, I’m grateful that you’ve decided to return them,” he remarked.

The King also expressed his appreciation to AngloGold for its support towards the construction of a new Museum.

His Majesty is confident that the completion of the Museum will be timely to meet the return of the incoming artefacts.

“Thank you also for the support for the Museum also. By the time we have these artefacts, we will make sure the Museum is also completed so we display the items together. One day when you return you will see the building you have helped to construct and the items being displayed.”

Last year Asanteman took delivery of 39 of such regalia from the Fowler Museum, the British Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum.

Mr. Bailey was in the company of the Managing Director of the AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Mine, Mr Samuel Boakye Pobee and other officials.

Source: opemsuo.com/Hajara Fuseini