The Manhyia Palace has announced that the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, is set to receive 28 gold ornaments and regalia from South Africa, marking another significant restitution of Asante cultural heritage looted during the 19th century.
These artefacts, including linguist staff, swords, palace security locks, rings, necklaces, and proverbial gold weights, reflect the governance structures and chieftaincy traditions of the Asante Court.
Originally acquired in 1922 by Swiss art collector Joseph Mueller, these items later became part of the Barbier-Mueller Museum in Geneva.
In 2000, AngloGold Ashanti purchased the Barbier-Mueller Collection and housed it at the Gold of Africa Museum in Cape Town.