Emmanuel Macron has decided to return 26 works claimed by Benin, announced the Elysee Friday, November 23.
Emmanuel Macron has decided to restore "without delay" 26 works claimed by the authorities of Benin, taken war of the French army in 1892, announced Friday, November 23 the Elysee, after the submission of a report on the restitution by France of works of African art.
The musée du quai Branly alone would count 6,000 pieces from Benin, including the doors of the Abomey Palace, royal statues and thrones.
They are Bénédicte Savoy, historian of art, member of the Collège de France and teacher; and Felwine Sarr, Senegalese writer, economist and musician, who have been responsible for eight months on this report and to give President Macron their recommendations on the possible restitution to African countries of works preserved in France.
The head of state, which was committed last year to study these refunds, also proposes to "gather in Paris in the first quarter of 2019 all African and European partners" to define the framework of a "political of exchanges " of works of art.