The Royal Artillery is under scrutiny following revelations that they are denying public access to an exceptional artefact, known as the Asante golden ram’s head, which was taken during colonial military actions in the 19th century. This striking piece of heritage, looted from the Asante kingdom—present-day Ghana—remains concealed within the officers’ mess at the regiment’s barracks in Larkhill, Wiltshire, sparking calls for transparency and restitution.
A Historical Artefact Concealed
The golden ram’s head, measuring approximately 19cm across and adorned with spiralling horns, is a remarkable testament to the artistic craftsmanship of the Asante people. This artefact is part of a broader collection of treasures seized from the royal palace in Kumasi during the British military campaigns of 1874. Following the destruction of the city and the subsequent looting of its rebuilt palace in 1896, the spoils were dispersed across various collections in Britain, with some pieces eventually making their way to renowned institutions like the Victoria and Albert Museum and the British Museum.
In 2024, a significant gesture was made when the British Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum announced the return of 32 items of Asante gold regalia to the Manhyia Palace Museum in Ghana, albeit on a long-term loan basis. Yet, the golden ram’s head remains inaccessible to the public, hidden away despite its historical significance.
Criticism of the Royal Artillery’s Policies
Barnaby Phillips, a former BBC correspondent with extensive experience in Africa, expressed his dismay after his request to view the artefact was declined. He described the response from the Royal Artillery’s regimental secretary as “curt and categorical”, citing security and insurance concerns. Phillips remarked on the irony of an army institution holding plundered treasures while being unwilling to share them with the public.
Ivor Agyeman-Duah, a historian and director of the Manhyia Palace Museum, has been tasked by the Asante king, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, to facilitate discussions regarding the return of looted Asante artefacts. He emphasised the importance of the golden ram’s head as a symbol of Asante heritage and expressed his intention to engage with the Royal Artillery on this matter during his next visit to the UK.
The Legacy of Colonialism
The Anglo-Asante wars, which concluded in 1901 with the annexation of Asante territory into the British Gold Coast colony, were driven by British interests in the region’s abundant natural resources. The Asante people fiercely resisted these incursions, viewing their gold artefacts as imbued with ancestral spirits. The British justification for their campaigns was often framed in the context of ending slavery.
Phillips highlighted the potential embarrassment surrounding the presentation of the ram’s head, which is displayed on a stand featuring depictions of three black boys holding the trophy, a representation that many view as deeply offensive today. He argued that such artefacts, emblematic of colonial conquest, should not be kept in obscurity but rather displayed in public museums for broader educational purposes.
A Call for Transparency and Reconciliation
The ongoing refusal to allow public access to the golden ram’s head raises important questions about the legacy of colonialism and the ownership of cultural heritage. Such artefacts represent not only artistic achievements but also the complex histories of power, resistance, and identity. The reluctance of the Royal Artillery to share these treasures with the public can be seen as a reflection of a broader challenge faced by many institutions grappling with their colonial past.
Why it Matters
The controversy surrounding the Asante golden ram’s head exemplifies the urgent need for dialogue and reconciliation regarding colonial artefacts. As nations confront their histories, the transparent sharing of cultural heritage can foster understanding and healing. By denying public access to significant historical objects, institutions may inadvertently perpetuate the very legacies of exclusion and inequality that they seek to overcome. Opening up these treasures to the public not only honours their origins but also provides an opportunity for education and reflection on colonial histories, ultimately paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable future.