What African ritual objects were returned to Ivory Coast?

Over 100 ritual objects, including masks, finely carved turtles, and ceremonial spoons from the Senufo, Dan, Baoule, and Guro peoples, were returned.

Who was Hans Himmelheber and what did he collect?

Hans Himmelheber was a German ethnologist who traveled Ivory Coast from the 1930s to 1970s, collecting ritual objects, photographs, and films.

Where are the returned Hans Himmelheber artifacts exhibited in Ivory Coast?

The returned artifacts are on display in exhibitions in the cities of Abidjan and Man.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Ivory Coast Reclaims Cultural Treasures from Swiss Museum

Ivory Coast Reclaims Cultural Treasures from Swiss Museum

16 Jan

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Summary

Over 100 ritual objects returned to Ivory Coast from Switzerland.
Hans Himmelheber's extensive collection spans decades of acquisition.
Exhibitions in Abidjan and Man showcase returned African heritage.

Ivory Coast Reclaims Cultural Treasures from Swiss Museum

A significant collection of African ritual objects, amassed by German ethnologist Hans Himmelheber over several decades, has been returned to Ivory Coast. Around a hundred masterpieces, including masks and ceremonial items from the Senufo, Dan, Baoule, and Guro peoples, are now being exhibited in Abidjan and Man.

The returned artifacts, collected between the 1930s and 1970s, also include 15,000 photographs and a dozen films that document Himmelheber's meticulous research. These materials offer insights into artists' techniques and challenge stereotypes about African art's scope, moving beyond just masks and figures.

This restitution, finalized via a deal signed in 2025, aligns with a growing global movement to return cultural heritage to its countries of origin. Research projects and workshops have also been funded as part of the initiative, aiming to revive memory and educate younger generations.