The Ngonnso Statue is finally set to be returned to the people of Nso more than 120 years after it was illegally taken away by the Germans during the colonial era.
Ngonnso is a female figure and founder of the Nso people, in Bui Division, in the North West Region of Cameroon.
We are delighted to announce to you all the good news of our beloved mother – Ngonnso.
— BringBackNgonnso/Nso Royal Objects n Linden museum (@ngonnso) June 27, 2022
The decision on the return of Ngonnso & it's a Yes!
Ngonnso is coming home, after 120 years in captivity!
Thank you for all you love and support!#BringBackNgonnso @hparzinger @bundesrat pic.twitter.com/K7sOWutQ3D
Sons and daughters of Nso residing in Germany who led the campaign to call for the restitution of the stolen artifact said: “We are delighted to announce to you all the good news of our beloved mother – Ngonnso.The decision on the return of Ngonnso & it’s a Yes! Ngonnso is coming home, after 120 years in captivity!Thank you for all you love and support.”
Efforts
The “precious artifact” as the people of Nso describe it had been on display inside a German museum for more than one century.
Several expeditions to get the statue restituted were largely unsuccessful until today’s announcement by the Foundation Board of the Prussian Cultural Heritage, SPK’s President.
“We would work with the Republic of Cameroon and the representatives of Nso to shape the restitution process,” said SPK’s President, Hermann Parzinger.
This news has been seen by Nso people as a massive victory, and a well-deserved reunion with “Their Mother.” To the people of Nso, the Ngonnso statue “…is the very essence of what they incarnate as a people and their cultural identity.”
The Ngonnso Statue, now set to return to its original abode, is just one of several other priceless heritage stuck in Europe, like the Njoya throne, and the statue of the Queen of Bangwa among others.
Mimi Mefo Info
