Paper short abstract:

Paper on the restitution of the African cultural heritage in France and Europe, with reference to the Art of Benin. We'll also focus on the meaning and destination of objects for new dialogues with postcoloniality, art and contemporary Africa.

Paper long abstract:

Motivated by the report on the restoration of the African cultural heritage in France, publication of 2018, this communication reflects on this agenda. We'll focus, moreover, on the meaning of objects that circulate between countries and continents, trying to understand with what past, narratives, appropriations and re-interpellation for creative and reflective dialogues on postcoloniality, art, and contemporary Africa they do it. The report concretises the announcement of President Emanuel Macron, during his visit to Africa in 2017, to take the step of restitution; a historic step in France and, hopefully, a model for other countries in Europe that keep their share of African heritage in the custody or hostage of museums, collections and the market. Where, instead of unanimous applause, there was more expectation, apprehension, reaction to receiving that report that defends "times of return" for a "new relational ethics." We still need to see how gradual and modulated devolution of thousands of pieces to Africa will take place in the future, among those is the unique and precious Art of Benin. We'll focus on this case for its current importance as well as for its past history and possible contemporary destinations besides France.

Synopsis illustrated in https://iscte-iul.academia.edu/idalinaconde/NEXT-PRESENTATIONS-PUBLICATIONS