The return of cultural treasures: Ouidah and the colonized legacy

The Return of Cultural Treasures: A Journey Through Ouidah and Benin

The film industry often has the knack for transforming historical narratives into modern fables, as demonstrated by Marvel's blockbuster, Black Panther. At the heart of this work is a captivating scene where Killmonger, Black Panther's rival, confronts a mask looted during the sack of Benin City in 1897. This cinematic moment, though fictional, raises a very real question about the return of cultural objects looted from their lands of origin.

A History of Looting and Restitution

For centuries, African cultural objects have adorned the showcases of Western museums, often without the consent of the originating peoples. Michel Leiris, a French writer and ethnologist, illustrates this dark aspect of history in his journal in 1931. He describes how, during an ethnographic mission, he forcibly acquired a precious object against the will of the inhabitants of Dyabougou. This account resonates with the history of African heritage, a part of which was torn away and displayed in European museums.

In November 2017, during a speech in Ouagadougou, French President Emmanuel Macron expressed his desire to temporarily or permanently return African heritage. This declaration sparked a wave of hope among Burkinabe students, but also a fierce controversy in France. The fear of "colonial repentance" and the prospect of European museums emptied of their collections sparked heated debates.

The Sarr-Savoy Report: Towards a New Relational Ethics

To address these concerns, art historian Béatrice Savoy and Senegalese economist Felwine Sarr were commissioned to study the modalities of restitution. Their report, published in November 2018, proposes a new relational ethics between Africa and Europe, advocating for the restitution of cultural objects in a transparent and respectful manner.

Ouidah: A Symbol of Resilience and History

Ouidah, in Benin, is an emblematic place in African history. Once a center of the slave trade, it is today a symbol of memory and resistance. The restitution of cultural objects could play a crucial role in the reappropriation of history and identity of the Beninese and African peoples in general. These objects are not mere artifacts; they carry within them stories, traditions, and an intangible heritage that cannot be assessed solely in terms of market value.

The restitution of African cultural treasures is much more than a matter of the physical return of objects. It is a reconnection with a shared history, a symbolic repair of the wounds of the colonial past, and a path towards a shared future based on respect and mutual understanding. Through the prism of Ouidah and Benin, this quest for cultural justice takes on its full meaning — Marie-Cécile Zinsou's fight embodies it — inspiring future generations to rediscover and reinvent their heritage.

Practical Travel Advice for Ouidah

When planning your visit to the historical and Vodun sites of Ouidah, it is essential to keep a few practical considerations in mind. The city is best explored with a local certified guide who can provide accurate historical context and help you navigate the delicate customs surrounding active shrines and sacred spaces. Always ask for permission before taking photographs of individuals, shrines, or during public rituals. Respecting the local communities and their living traditions ensures a mutually beneficial experience. Additionally, wearing light clothing and carrying sufficient bottled water will keep you comfortable during your walking tours along the Route of the Slaves and around the historic quarters. For currency, while the West African CFA franc (XOF) is the local currency, carrying small denominations is highly recommended for purchases at local artisanal markets and when tipping local guides.

Academic Reference & Citation

If you wish to cite this research work in an academic context, please use the following reference:

Elara Bertho. Restitutions of African Heritage. Fictions and Realities. Multitudes, 2019, 74, pp.23-29. ⟨10.3917/mult.074.0023⟩. ⟨hal-02102952⟩

Summary and adaptation proposed by Ouidah Origins.

Related Pillars & Further Reading

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External sources:

• Britannica: Art and Cultural Property Repatriation
• UNESCO: Cultural Heritage Return