Fifteen Colonial Thefts amplifies discussions on restitution of cultural heritage, exploring the history of colonial violence in Africa through the prism of fifteen African belongings, all looted at the height of the imperial era and brought to European museums.
Fifteen Colonial Thefts amplifies discussions on restitution of cultural heritage, exploring the history of colonial violence in Africa through the prism of fifteen African belongings, all looted at the height of the imperial era and brought to European museums. Structured around three arenas – the battlefield, the royal palace, and the realm of the sacred – the book displays how colonial officers violently plundered Africa. It explores the meaning of those cultural artefacts at the time of their appropriation and today in an era of restitution. With writers from Europe and Africa, including scientists, museum professionals, artists and activists, the book illuminates the collective trauma and loss of cultural, historical and spiritual knowledge that colonial theft engendered.
Edited by Sela K. Adjei and Yann LeGall
with contributions by Elias Aguigah, Yrine Matchinda, Felwine Sarr, Bénédicte Savoy, Sebastian Sprute, Richard Tsogang Fossi, Jeanne-Ange Wagne and others.
This event is organized by Yann LeGall.