THE long-awaited return of the antique wooden statue of Ngonnso, venerated as the queen mother of the Nso people in Cameroon, from Germany faces delays due to bureaucratic hurdles. The restitution activist, Sylvie Vernyuy Njobati, has been tirelessly advocating for the repatriation of this embodiment of spiritual heritage, only to encounter setbacks in the inter-state negotiations.
The history of the Nso people’s fascination with their queen mother dates back centuries. After her death, the statue of Ngonnso became a cultural cornerstone, symbolising the community’s tradition built on ancestral worship. However, like many African artefacts looted during colonial rule, Ngonnso’s statue found its way to Germany and is part of more than 500,000 African objects displayed in European and US museums.
Despite the challenges faced in securing restitution, successful cases like the return of two Benin Bronzes to Nigeria in 2022 inspire Njobati to continue her quest. While the process is slow, she acknowledges the progress made in recognising the violent circumstances and unethical acquisitions surrounding these artefacts.
For Njobati and the Nso community, the repatriation of Ngonnso goes beyond the return of an object; it represents a reconnection to their heritage and ancestral traditions. However, concerns about Africa’s capacity to preserve its relics and restitution hesitancy remain.
As Njobati persists in her efforts, she plans to document Ngonnso’s epic journey back to Cameroon through filmmaking. Despite the uncertainty of the timeline, the Nso people eagerly await the triumphant return of their spirit guide, Ngonnso, to its rightful home.
The statue of Ngonnso at the Humboldt Forum museum in Berlin, Germany.
(with TRT)
