Manhyia Palace Museum to Reopen in 1 May 2024, Featuring Restored Treasures
Manhyia Palace Museum to reopen on 1 May 2024, featuring restored treasures. Explore Ghana’s rich cultural heritage.
Under his leadership, the royal Ashanti treasures, delivered by the British Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum, have been inspected by Otumfuo Osei Tutu II himself. Homecoming commemorates these initiatives, marking a significant milestone in the cultural heritage of the Asante Kingdom.
In a landmark agreement, British institutions have sent 32 royal treasures plundered from the Asante Kingdom 150 years ago. These include 15 items from the British Museum and 17 from the Victoria and Albert Museum, now on a three-year loan at the Manhyia Palace Museum. Additionally, the Fowler Museum at the University of California, Los Angeles, repatriated seven artifacts in February 2024.
Among the returned artifacts are the sword of state known as Mpomponsuo and the gold badges of officials authorized to purify the king’s soul. The collection also features a gold lute-harp presented by Asantehene Osei Bonsu to British diplomat Thomas Edward Bowdich during an 1817 trade treaty. These treasures offer visitors a rare glimpse into the splendor of Ashanti history and culture.
Looted by British military forces during the 19th century Anglo-Ashanti Wars, The Homecoming exhibits these relics in their homeland for the first time in 150 years.
Ivor Agyeman-Duah, Manhyia Palace Museum’s Director and chief negotiator for the Asantehene, described the impact of the agreements.
“These partnerships go beyond the Asante Kingdom,” he elaborated
“50 years since Asantehene Otumfuo Opoku Ware II first requested the return of the items from the British Museum in 1974, Homecoming renews our connections to Britain and the United States, in the spirit of progress and cooperation.
Agyeman-Duah continued:
“Although the British Museum’s laws forbid the permanent removal of objects, thanks to the mutually beneficial cooperation between Otumfuo Opoku Ware II and Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, and the British Museum and V&A, items removed 150 years ago are home from three museums. We now look forward to more dialogues and stronger relationships with all custodians of Asante treasures.”
Originally inaugurated by Otumfuo Opoku Ware II during his Silver Jubilee in 1995, the museum was initially established as the first Manhyia Palace. Constructed by the British for Asantehene Nana Prempeh I in 1925, it replaced the royal palace destroyed during the Yaa Asantewaa War in 1900. Nana Prempeh I accepted the new palace only after fully covering its costs.
Visitors to the museum can now explore expanded spaces showcasing photographic and regalia displays, as well as lifelike mannequins portraying the 20th and 21st-century Asantehenes and Asantehemaas (queen mothers). Additionally, captivating narratives within the museum chronicle the rich legacy of the Asante kingdom, including its complex history with the British Empire.
Useful Links
ADVERTIZE WITH US
