What's Happening?
The Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) is inaugurating its first exhibition in Benin City, emphasizing contemporary art and a broader definition of restitution. The museum, led by Phillip Ihenacho, aims
to redefine restitution beyond the return of looted artifacts, focusing on restoring lost infrastructure and opportunities for West African artists. The exhibition, titled 'Nigeria Imaginary: Homecoming,' features works from contemporary Nigerian artists, some of whom are based abroad and have not been exhibited in Nigeria before. This initiative is part of MOWAA's mission to support the arts and culture sector in West Africa, providing infrastructure and opportunities for young artists, designers, curators, archaeologists, and art historians.
Why It's Important?
The opening of MOWAA represents a significant shift in the restitution debate, moving beyond the Western-centric narrative of returning stolen objects. By focusing on contemporary art and infrastructure development, MOWAA aims to empower West African creatives and scholars, fostering a thriving arts ecosystem. This approach challenges the traditional restitution narrative, which often centers on Western institutions' moral awakening and the return of artifacts. MOWAA's broader definition of restitution seeks to address the real challenges and opportunities in the arts and culture sector in West Africa, providing a platform for local artists to compete globally and reconnect with artistic traditions.
What's Next?
MOWAA plans to continue developing its campus, including the MOWAA Institute, which will house collections, archives, and research facilities. This development is crucial for the study and preservation of arts and culture in West Africa. The museum's approach to restitution will involve ongoing discussions and decisions about the handling and display of cultural artifacts, balancing the interests of traditional rulers, communities, and nation-states. MOWAA aims to earn the trust of stakeholders and relevant authorities, ensuring that its mission supports the empowerment of West African creatives and communities.
Beyond the Headlines
MOWAA's initiative highlights the ethical and cultural dimensions of restitution, questioning the responsibilities of safe-keeping and display of cultural objects. The museum's focus on contemporary art and infrastructure development challenges the notion of restitution as merely the return of objects, advocating for investment in the future of West African arts and culture. This approach encourages a reevaluation of the restitution process, considering the original purpose and significance of artifacts within their cultural context.
