Lebialem Division: Lebang people receive artefacts carted away during colonial era.

Hundreds of Lebang people attended the ceremony to celebrate the return of the artefacts. Some of the artefacts were said to belong to the Kungang Society, which fights against witchcraft.

Speaking at the ceremony, the President of RegARTless, Sylvie Njobati, talked about “the pain and suffering caused by this plunder…” 

She stated that: “We have decided not to wait for those who hurt us to give us closure and healing”.

Njobati also appealed to everyone “to open their hearts and let this celebration be the beginning of a journey to healing, self-emancipation and robust cultural identities.”

The Fon of Fontem, His Royal Majesty Fon Asabaton Fontem Njifua, who was instrumental in the return of the artefacts, stated that most of the items are being trafficked online. 

Fon Asabaton urged the government to help in getting all such stolen artefacts returned.

“Given that most of our artefacts are in the keeping of municipal museums, it will only be proper for the government to dialogue with the Federal Republic of Germany for the return of our precious artefacts,” the traditional ruler stated.

According to the royal father, “the groundwork has been done and the museums acknowledged that these artefacts belong rightfully to us, but they need our government to support our restitution request”.

Experts say the return of the artefacts, far from being a symbolic gesture, is a recognition of the value of African traditions, customs and cultural expressions. 

They also said the return of the artefacts is a step towards reclaiming dignity, stories, histories and indigenous knowledge that rightly belong to the Lebang people.

An elite of the Lebang community, Dr Ernest Folefack, said the culture of his people rest on the artefacts.  

He declared that: “The Germans are the ones who looted most of them. We thank them for preserving it and making it possible for us to trace them”.

Dr Folefack underscored that: “However, let them understand that it is in our interest to keep our cultural heritage. The artefacts represent more than just viewing purpose for us as it does for them. The world is a better place. When you want to see the heritage of Africa, you come to Africa and vice versa, this brings cultural diversity”. 

RegARTless officials, meanwhile, used the ceremony to restate their commitment to protect, preserve and promote cultural heritage, both on the African continent and elsewhere. 

Experts estimate that more than 95% of Africa's heritage lies in museums and private collections around the world. 

A recent study by Benedicte Savoy shows that an estimated 40,000 objects from Cameroon, ranging from human remains of ancestors to royal heritage, such as crowns and thrones, are in German museums.