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

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

Birmingham Museum helps shrink ‘The Elephant in the Room’

July 3, 2025
“Would be nice to have a more frank discussion about how objects are collected for the Museum. Saying ‘Donated’ is not enough”

Naga ancestral remains to be returned to their homeland

June 17, 2025
Last week, a delegation of Naga people signed a declaration that will lead to the return of 41 Naga ancestral remains currently held in the Pitt Rivers Museum, Oxford