Otumfuo to British museum: Looted artefacts are our soul, not mere creations

Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II recently delivered a powerful lecture at the British Museum in the United Kingdom, addressing the ongoing issue of looted African artefacts that remain in European possession despite efforts by their rightful owners to retrieve them.
Speaking on July 19, 2024, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II emphasized the profound cultural and spiritual significance of these artefacts, many of which date back to the early formation of the now united Asante Empire.
He highlighted that, unlike the Western perception of these items as mere artistic creations, they hold a deeper meaning as a compendium of the soul of their people.
“To the West, these artefacts may appear as inanimate creations of artistic value,” he noted. “However, in our tradition, when a chief embarks on his final journey, a stool is consecrated to memorialize his reign. This symbolizes his continuous spiritual presence in the state's affairs, and successors are required to swear an oath to uphold his good deeds.”
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II corrected misconceptions and educated the audience on the traditional concepts and cultural heritage embodied in these artefacts.
Source: Classfmonline.com
Trending Entertainment
Guinness World Record: Tom Cruise awarded via fiery ‘Mission: Impossible 8’ stunt
01:52Mike Eghan: Broadcast icon passes
23:05Praye Tietia on ‘traumatising’ 8-year wait for children with wife Selly
20:01Jessie J diagnosed with early breast cancer
18:21Rare oil portrait of Mahatma Gandhi to be auctioned in London
16:47Akuapem Poloo explains why she prefers dating to marriage; ‘I’ve never been single in my life’
02:09The Spirit of Hiplife lives as Ghana’s beat of identity and influence
18:13Van Vicker congratulates Mahama on strengthening the cedi
17:56'It was just an adventure in my old age': Bill Clinton on his life as a thriller writer
01:03Russell Brand: Comedian and actor pleads not guilty to rape and sexual assault charges
20:03