Open Restitution Africa

Episode 4 of Restitution 101 is LIVE ✨ "Where Are We Now?" examines the current global landscape of restitution — how far the work has come, key developments, challenges and the work still required. 🎬 Available in English + French youtube.com/watch?v=9H9UDq… #Restitution101

These conversations revealed a structural challenge: knowledge about restitution was often concentrated within museums, institutional archives and policy spaces, where access was limited and documentation uneven. #RestitutionDialogues

As we prepare to launch the Open Restitution Africa Open Data Platform on 31st March 2026, we return to where this thinking began. In 2020, Restitution Dialogues brought together African scholars and practitioners to reflect on restitution in practice. #OpenRestitutionAfrica

Regardez l’épisode 4 de Restitution 101 sur YouTube✨ « Où Sommes-Nous Maintenant ? » examine le paysage mondial actuel de la restitution - jusqu'où le travail est allé, les principaux développements, les défis et le travail encore nécessaire. youtu.be/ah08PxWY38s?si…

We are LIVE now! on Zoom. zoom.us/j/98166421904?…

Due to technical issues, our IG Live conversation has been moved to Zoom and will now be taking place tomorrow! 📅 Tuesday 17th March
 🕒 12:30 GMT | 13:30 WAT | 14:30 SAST
 📍 zoom.us/j/98166421904?…

Episode 4 of our Restitution 101 Series is coming very soon!✨ In this Episode, we ask “Where Are We Now?” and explore the current global landscape of restitution, the progress that has been made and the work that still lies ahead. @openrestitutionafrica" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">youtube.com/@openrestituti…

Dr Maina’s research highlights challenges in restituting Kilwa’s human ancestors: navigating museum processes, balancing community claims and ensuring families and local groups can meaningfully reclaim ancestral heritage. 🔗 Read the full case study: openrestitution.africa/case-study/hum…

The repatriation process involves complex negotiations between museums, local communities, and researchers, reflecting centuries of displacement and the importance of restoring connections to heritage and ancestry. #ORAResearch #ORACohort1

An array of human ancestors from Kilwa, Tanzania held in overseas collections, are being returned to their communities by the National Museum of Tanzania. This restitution recognises the spiritual and cultural significance of these remains for the Nyamwezi + other local groups.

The case study was researched by Phumzile Nombuso Twala, a cultural heritage practitioner. She combined archival research, oral interviews and community engagement to document Sara Baartman’s journey. 🔗 Read the full case study: openrestitution.africa/case-study/360… #ORAResearch

Persistent advocacy from the Griqua community, activists, and South African officials led to negotiations with France. In 2002, her skeletal and soft tissue remains were returned to South Africa and laid to rest with dignity in her homeland.

Sara Baartman, a KhoeSan woman exhibited in Europe as the “Hottentot Venus,” died in France in 1816. Her remains were displayed and stored for nearly two centuries, representing deep racial injustice and the exploitation of her body by colonial science.

The case study was researched by Katrine Hoandi Vigne, who engaged |Khowese Nama community members and Namibian museum professionals to trace the restitution journey. 🔗 Read the full case study: openrestitution.africa/case-study/hen… #ORACohort2

Repatriation efforts began in 2001 through German‑Namibian collaboration. After years of negotiation and research into colonial collections, the Bible and whip were formally returned to Namibia in 2019, recognising the personal and historical significance of these objects.

Gaob Hendrik Witbooi (|Gâbemab !Nanseb), leader of the !Khowese Nama in Namibia, resisted German colonial rule. In 1893, German troops looted his personal Bible and whip during an attack on Hornkranz. These items ended up in Germany’s Linden Museum. #RestitutionInFocus

The case study was researched by Syokau Mutonga and Stanslous Jambo Haro, who used archival research and interviews to document the restitution journey while centring the perspectives of the Mijikenda community. 🔗Read the full case study: openrestitution.africa/case-study/off… #ORACohort2

Repatriation efforts began in 2008, with a 2014 agreement to return the vigango to Kenya. After overcoming a major import tax challenge, the 30 vigango arrived in Nairobi and were received by the National Museums of Kenya, then taken to Fort Jesus Museum for provenance research

Thirty sacred vigango — memorial posts of the Mijikenda community that connect the living with ancestors — were held at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science after being removed from Kenya and Tanzania amid widespread looting for the “African art” market.