After over a century, 39 Ugandan artifacts have returned to their homeland on loan from the University of Cambridge. This initial three-year arrangement brings traditional objects ranging from tribal regalia to delicate pottery back to Uganda, sparking discussions about their historical and contemporary significance.
“These objects have been away from home for so long. Now is the time to bring them back, research their history, understand their contemporary significance, and make decisions about their future,” said Mark Elliot, senior curator at Cambridge University. “This research could be done in Cambridge, but it shouldn’t be. It should be done here and led by Ugandan people.”
Most of these artifacts were acquired by Cambridge as donations from private collections, many of which were obtained through an Anglican missionary active in Uganda after it became a British protectorate in 1894. The missionary collected these items as part of his efforts to spread Christianity, often disregarding the cultural heritage they represented.
“There was a lot of plundering in Africa. They didn’t just take gold; they took cultural heritage too,” said Jackline Nyiracyiza, Ugandan Government Commissioner in charge of Museums and Monuments. “They removed cultural heritage because they didn’t want anything associated with local traditions while spreading the gospel of Christ.”
Nyiracyiza also mentioned that Uganda’s agreement with Cambridge is renewable, allowing for the possibility of a permanent loan and potentially local ownership. The selection of the returned items was made by Ugandan curators, reflecting the nation’s efforts to reclaim and preserve its cultural heritage.
Solomy Nabukalu, a curator, expressed particular interest in objects from the Buganda kingdom, a significant Bantu kingdom in Uganda. “As a Ugandan, I am fascinated by the variety of objects from Buganda. The most fascinating object I have seen is the ‘Ddamula,’ a traditional scepter handed to the Buganda Kingdom’s prime minister by the King,” Nabukalu shared.
These 39 items represent a small fraction of the approximately 1,500 Ugandan ethnographic objects owned by the University of Cambridge. Their return is a step toward addressing historical injustices and fostering a deeper understanding of Uganda’s rich cultural heritage.
The African Union is working towards a common policy on the return of looted cultural property, and this initiative aligns with broader efforts to repatriate artifacts to their countries of origin. The return of these Ugandan artifacts marks a significant moment in the ongoing global conversation about cultural restitution.
Source & more info: Cambridge returns 39 artifacts to Uganda on loan, www.africanews.com, 13 juni 2024
