Switzerland has repatriated three culturally significant artefacts to the Nkuna royal family in South Africa, marking a substantial milestone in the restoration of African heritage.
The handover took place during President Cyril Ramaphosa’s state visit to Switzerland and culminates years of discussions between the Ethnographic Museum of Neuchâtel, the Nkuna family, and cultural authorities.
The returned items, comprising a carved wooden stick, a divination basket, and a bovine astragalus amulet, hold profound symbolic and spiritual significance and were initially collected by Protestant missionary Henri-Alexandre Junod.
The voluntary repatriation underscores Switzerland’s dedication to ethical cultural cooperation and recognition of Africa’s rich cultural legacy.
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