Cultural Restitution

December 7, 2019
SOUTH AFRICA
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South Africa

Updated February 2025


Below is a schedule of successful restitutions made by South Africa, together with other South African restitution news, to a country or community of source.  Entries are updated regularly.



February 2025

South Africa's authorities aim to repatriate human remains in the collections of the Horniman and Hunterian Museums, as well as in other European and US collections

Sundayworld.co.za


November 2024

28 Asante gold ornaments and regalia from the collection of AngloGold Ashanti in South Africa are returned to the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II

modernghana.com


March 2020

Following the return of most of Zimbabwe's prized soapstone birds, looted by colonialists from Great Zimbabwe during the 19th century, only one remains - in the house of Cecil Rhodes in South Africa

ArtDaily


1981

One year after Zimbabwe's independence, the South African government returns four carved bird sculptures, looted from the ruined city of Great Zimbabwe

IOL News




More News

No clear agreement from Shuar community on future of tsantsas in UK collections

October 18, 2025
A delegation of Shuar representatives from Ecuador visited the UK this month on a week-long programme to exchange knowledge, strengthen collaboration and learn how different museums in England are “looking after our ancestors”

Denver Art Museum marks 50-year partnership in repatriation and collaboration

October 7, 2025
While some museums continue to wrestle over their ‘Benin dilemma’, the Denver Art Museum is celebrating a cultural collaboration with Nigeria that has lasted over five decades

Should Egyptian mummies be removed from public exhibition?

August 4, 2025
It’s no easy matter resolving the current ethical debate over the retention and exhibition of human remains. But one public collection is asking visitors to cast their vote