10 Priceless Items Stolen From African by Britain
Throughout history, there are dark chapters that reveal the worst aspects of human behavior—stories of conquest, domination, and the exploitation of others. One such chapter unfolds in Africa, where British conquerors and colonizers looted the continent, taking away precious artifacts as spoils of war or to fund their campaigns.
Taking these treasures was not only about stealing valuable things, but also about stealing the identity of Africa.
Each artifact, like the beautiful Benin Bronzes and the important Rosetta Stone, held the history, craftsmanship, and soul of African civilizations.
By forcibly removing these treasures from their ancestral soil, they ripped away the heart and soul of African civilizations.
Number 10. Great Star of Africa
The Great Star of Africa Diamond, also known as the Cullinan Diamond, is one of the most renowned and valuable gemstones in the world. It is a large, high-quality diamond discovered at the Premier Mine in South Africa in 1905. The diamond was named after Sir Thomas Cullinan, the owner of the mine at the time.
Number 9. Tomb of Tutankhamun
The Tomb of Tutankhamun, also known as the "Tutankhamun's burial chamber" or "King Tut's Tomb," is one of the most famous archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. It is located in the Valley of the Kings, near the ancient city of Thebes located in modern-day Luxor in Egypt. The tomb was the final resting place of Tutankhamun, an Egyptian pharaoh who ruled during the 14th century BCE, in the period known as the New Kingdom.
Number 8. Benin Bronzes
The Benin Bronzes are a significant part of African history, representing a remarkable artistic tradition and cultural heritage. These bronzes are a collection of intricately crafted sculptures and plaques created by the Edo people of the Kingdom of Benin, located in present-day Nigeria. They are renowned for their exceptional craftsmanship, artistic finesse, and historical significance.
Number 7. Magdala Treasures
Going back in time, the Magdala Treasures represented a remarkable collection of artifacts and treasures that were plundered from the Ethiopian fortress of Magdala in 1868 by British forces during the Abyssinian Expedition. Magdala, also known as Maqdala, was the mountain stronghold of Emperor Tewodros the Second, who ruled Ethiopia from 1855 to 1868.
Number 6. Rosetta Stone
The Rosetta Stone is an iconic artifact that played a pivotal role in deciphering ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs and unlocking a wealth of knowledge about the ancient civilization. It was discovered in 1799 by French soldiers during Napoleon Bonaparte's campaign in Egypt, near the town of Rosetta which is now modern-day Rashid. However, after a series of political events, the stone ended up in the possession of the British.
Number 5. Bronze Head from Ife
The Bronze Head from Ife, also known as the "Ife Head" or "Head of a King," is a renowned artifact from ancient Nigeria. It is a sculpture made of brass, believed to have been created in the 14th century in the Kingdom of Ife, located in present-day southwestern Nigeria. This magnificent artwork is considered one of the finest examples of African sculptural art.
Number 4. Bronze Head of Queen Idia
The Bronze Head of Queen Idia is an iconic artifact with a rich history and cultural significance. It represents one of the most remarkable creations of the ancient Benin Kingdom, located in present-day Nigeria. The head is believed to date back to the 16th century and is a masterpiece of bronze casting.
Number 3. Ndop of King Mishe
The Ndop of King Mishe is a significant cultural artifact from the Kingdom of Kuba, which was located in what is now the Democratic Republic of Congo. Ndop refers to a type of royal portrait sculpture created by the Kuba people to represent their kings. These sculptures were carved from wood and served as visual representations of the king's power and authority.
Number 2. Sekhemka Statue
The Sekhemka Statue is an ancient Egyptian artifact that gained significant attention due to its controversial sale and subsequent disappearance from public view. The statue dates back to the Old Kingdom, around 2400 BCE, and is believed to depict a high-ranking official named Sekhemka. It is regarded as one of the finest examples of Egyptian sculpture from that era.
Number 1. Cartouche of King Amonhotep the First
The Cartouche of King Amenhotep the First is an ancient Egyptian artifact of significant historical and cultural importance. A cartouche is an oval or oblong shape used in ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics to encircle the names of kings and queens. The purpose of the cartouche was to protect the name of the ruler and ensure their eternal existence in the afterlife.
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