I sympathize with the people of France for the theft of several objects of great value to their nation. This is a terrible thing. I understand that these objects were commissioned by their past rulers for themselves and their wives, though they have since become part of their national patrimony. So, when French commentators say that the theft of these treasures is like the stealing of France’s soul, I get it.
Two things though.
First, I hope the people of France, in the wake of this national hurt, can now understand what if feels like to have national treasures of West African societies looted by French agents in the age of empire, just a few generations ago. I hope they (and their European cousins) can understand the hurt they caused the people of Asante, Dahomey, Benin, etc., whose entire national treasures they carted away and now kept in their museums for the delight of their visitors.
Second, I hope the people of France can now see the hollowness, or rather insensitivity of reminding Africans ad nauseam how unsafe their museums and palaces are and, following from that, why Europe’s great museums are the only institutions fit for storing and displaying the world’s art and cultural heritage. Two years ago, it was the British Museum, this week, the Louvre. Are these museums safe places to keep Africa’s and the world's captive treasures?
Anyway, I hope they return the stolen treasures.
We all hurt.
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