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New Law Unlocks African Art Restitution in France
7 May
Summary
- France passed a law to return unlawfully appropriated African art.
- The law creates an exception for items taken between 1815 and 1972.
- A new scientific committee will vet restitution requests.
France has passed a significant new law enabling the restitution of African art held in its museums. This move, announced nine years ago by President Emmanuel Macron, allows for the return of cultural property unlawfully appropriated between 1815 and 1972. The legislation creates an exception to the long-standing 'inalienable' status of items in public collections.
The new law streamlines the process for restitution, requiring official government requests and proof of illicit acquisition. Requests will be reviewed by a scientific committee and a national commission before a final decision by France's highest administrative court. This contrasts with previous ad-hoc restitutions that required special parliamentary laws.
This development reflects a seismic shift in France's perspective on its colonial history. While President Macron prioritized restitution upon his election in 2017, the cultural establishment initially resisted. The law aims to foster a "rebalancing" and a renewed relationship between France and its former colonies.
Senator Catherine Morin-Desailly described the law as "a recognition of our shared history and a redress." Since the debate began in 2017, France has received numerous restitution demands. Beyond returning artifacts, there is a growing desire for shared exhibitions and artist residencies.
