The Fowler Museum at the University of California has returned 7 royal objects to the Ashanti king of Ghana, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, during the celebrations of his silver jubilee.
The returned treasures, including gold jewelry, an ornamental chair, and an elephant-tail whip, were presented during a ceremony at the Manhyia Palace in the city of Kumasi in the Ashanti region.
Receiving these treasures, King Otumfuo Osei Tutu II hopes that these objects will unite the Asante people, one of Ghana's major ethnic groups. "This restitution confirms what happened so many years ago when the British attacked us and seized our treasures (...). Let us remain united to bring peace and development to the kingdom," said the Ashanti empire king, who is celebrating 25 years on the throne.
The returned objects have been part of the Fowler Museum's collection since 1965 and will be displayed at the Palace in Kumasi, 255 km northwest of the capital Accra.
