If I want to see a wide array of African artifacts, my best bet is to apply for a Schengen or U.K. visa and catch a $1,000 flight from Nairobi to Europe or Britain, where the majority of Africa’s material cultural legacy is found.
As much as 90% of Sub-Saharan Africa’s cultural artifacts are outside of the continent, according to a 2018 report commissioned by French President Emmanuel Macron. A significant share is indeed housed in European and British museums.
Even after making a trip to London, one set of treasures I definitely will not get to see are some Ethiopian altar tablets that have been hidden in a sealed room in the British Museum for the past 150 years. The institution is under investigation by the U.K.’s information watchdog over allegations that it failed to disclose key details about the tablets in response to a freedom of information request in August 2023.
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