Stolen African Art Should be Taken Back to its Roots

Some people wonder if the African art that was donated or taken from African countries to the west should be returned to their countries of origin. To me, there should be no question about it. First, Western countries are making money from these arts and they don't share it with African countries. Most African museums are falling apart due to poor infrastructure and income made from these arts should be used to repair and maintain these museums. 

Secondly, I don't think we can find a museum in Africa which is fully equipped with African art like we do in Paris or in New York. Western countries stole Africa's inspiration and history and this hinders Africa from exploring its past. There are also upcoming artists in Africa who need to be inspired by the artwork that was produced by their ancestors. In addition, taking back the stolen art would also enable Africans to learn more about their history and be able to it. To me, I don't see how well someone would be able to tell someone else's story or history and so, these artworks need to be returned back to their roots.

Africans were made to believe that their culture was primitive, but some people from the Western world have illegally acquired art from a culture which was once condemned barbaric. African art is becoming popular in the world and it's time to let Africans tell their own history.

Some African countries such as Nigeria have worked so hard to get some of their art from Europe and  America. So far, Nigeria has managed to get "five Nok Terracotta figures seized by the French Customs service in Paris, France." I think other Africans should follow the same path and demand what belongs to them. (Click here to view images of the Nigerian stolen arts in Europe.) 

In order to reinforce the relationship between Africa and Western countries, I think Western countries should consider returning the artwork they took from Africa. Taking these artworks back to their roots would also be a proof that Western countries are "sorry" for what they did to Africa during colonization. This action could also be a huge step toward reaching a compromise in the reparation cases.

Below are some beautiful African artworks that I found on Google images. Have fun as you analyze them.