The Royal Artillery is under fire for its refusal to grant public access to a remarkable artefact looted from the Asante people during Britain’s colonial conquests in the 19th century. The golden ram’s head, a symbol of cultural heritage and historical significance, remains concealed within the officers’ mess at Larkhill barracks in Wiltshire, sparking outrage and calls for accountability from historians and advocates alike.
A Stolen Legacy
The illustrious golden ram’s head, measuring approximately 19cm across and adorned with spiralling horns, is a testament to the artistic prowess of the Asante Kingdom. This extraordinary piece of treasure was seized during the British military’s pillaging of the Asante royal palace in Kumasi in 1874. Following the looting, British troops razed the city, destroying its cultural landmarks and further entrenching colonial dominance.
Despite the potential to educate the public about this dark chapter in history, the artefact remains tucked away, inaccessible to those interested in its rich provenance. The Royal Artillery insists that security and insurance concerns justify this secrecy, a claim met with scepticism from critics who see it as a blatant attempt to obscure the uncomfortable realities of colonial theft.
The Call for Transparency
Barnaby Phillips, a respected former BBC correspondent with extensive experience in African reporting, recently sought access to the ram’s head for research into his upcoming book, “The African Kingdom of Gold: Britain and the Asante Treasure.” His request was met with a curt refusal, citing security reasons, which Phillips found ironic given the military’s ownership of the looted item. “It’s an army institution holding the spoils of war,” he remarked, highlighting the hypocrisy of denying access to a cultural artefact that represents the very history of conflict and dispossession.
Ivor Agyeman-Duah, a historian and director at the Manhyia Palace Museum in Ghana, has been tasked with negotiating the return of Asante treasures, including the ram’s head. He expressed a desire to visit the Royal Artillery and engage in discussions about the artefact’s future. “This piece is iconic evidence of Asante prowess over two centuries,” he stated, underscoring its importance to both cultural heritage and the ongoing dialogue about repatriation.
A Trophy of Colonialism
The implications of the ram’s head extend far beyond its physical form. Its history is intertwined with the violent legacy of the Anglo-Asante wars, which were partly driven by British interests in the region’s natural resources. As Phillips notes, the military stand commissioned for the ram’s head in 1875—depicting three black boys holding the trophy—transforms the artefact into a chilling symbol of colonial triumphalism, one that is disturbingly out of touch with contemporary values.
The Royal Artillery’s decision to confine the ram’s head to their officers’ mess, accessible only to a select few, raises questions about the stewardship of cultural property acquired through violent means. Critics argue that such artefacts should be displayed in public museums, allowing for broader engagement and reflection on the colonial past.
Why it Matters
The refusal of the Royal Artillery to share the Asante ram’s head with the public speaks volumes about the ongoing struggle for historical accountability and reparative justice. As the world grapples with the legacies of colonialism, the call for transparency and access to cultural heritage becomes increasingly urgent. The ram’s head is not merely a relic; it embodies the stories of those who suffered under colonial rule. Acknowledging its significance and facilitating public access could pave the way for healing, education, and a more nuanced understanding of history.
