If I want to see a wide array of African artifacts, my best bet is to apply for a Schengen or U.K. visa and catch a $1,000 flight from Nairobi to Europe or Britain, where the majority of Africa¡¯s material cultural legacy is found.
As much as 90% of Sub-Saharan Africa¡¯s cultural artifacts are outside of the continent, according to a 2018 report commissioned by French President Emmanuel Macron. A significant share is indeed housed in European and British museums.
Even after making a trip to London, one set of treasures I definitely will not get to see are some Ethiopian altar tablets that have been hidden in a sealed room in the British Museum for the past 150 years. The institution is under investigation by the U.K.¡¯s information watchdog over allegations that it failed to disclose key details about the tablets in response to a freedom of information request in August 2023.
With your current subscription plan you can comment on stories. However, before writing your first comment, please create a display name in the Profile section of your subscriber account page.