The restitution of African works puts the Senate and the art market on the wind
Martine Robert | Les Echo | 26th October 2021
France announced in 2017 that it would restitute cultural objects looted in Africa. As promised, some 26 objects are returning to Benin this month. Other countries are following suite. Still, controversy continues. One artist in Benin points out that African museums have been plagued by theft, fire and a shortage of qualitied staff. Further, a French supporter of restitution admits that African artworks in French museums are “excellent ambassadors of the culture of their countries”.