Paper short abstract:

This paper interrogates the restitution of the head of Badu Bonso II after its confiscation in the Netherlands for more than 170 years. We particularly explore the process and implications of the restitution from the perspectives of Ahantas in Ghana.

Paper long abstract:

In recent years, the concept of restitution has pervaded international discourse, with an emphasis on the need for the return of looted objects. In view of this, a good number of looted objects have been returned to Africa. Although the debate and ethical dimensions of restitution have been explored, little is about the restitution of anatomic remains in Ghana. One of such is the return of the head of Badu Bonso II to Ghana after its confiscation in the Netherlands for 170 years. In this paper, we interrogate the restitution of the head of King Badu Bonso II through the perspectives of the indigenous Ahanta people. Specifically, in-depth interviews were conducted with 13 traditional rulers in the Ahanta kingdom to understand how the local people view the restitution process and their experiences regarding the return of the king’s head. We find that, Ahantas have a strong affinity with the king’s head and this is tied to their identity as a people. Therefore, the confiscation of the Head of Badu Bonso II meant a loss of identity, power, heritage and spirituality, making the restitution highly significant to their being. To Ahantas, restitution means agency, voice, dignity and respect for traditions and customs in the restitution process as well as a holistic restoration and compensation for the harm caused. The restitution of the head by the Dutch government was however a flawed one and this has complicated the existing plight of the Ahanta people.