In the diaspora, not dead: Africa’s heritages in French museums

Abstract

There have always been pressures from within French society and from Africa for the restitution of items of African cultural patrimoine. Newly elected President Macron announced that it was time to return items of African cultural heritage. He appointed a commission to report what, how, and when. The article traces these recommendations, resistance to them, and outcomes. As of this writing, almost nothing has been returned. And the pandemic has halted official action for the moment and possibly for the foreseeable future. However, concerned individuals and groups are beginning to take the matter into their hands. The story is not finished.