In 1862, the diplomatic King Moshoeshoe I of Basotho sent 80 personal items to a London exhibition, hoping to strengthen ties with Britain. These artifacts, however, never returned and now reside in the British Museum. Discovering this overlooked history, researcher Lineo Segoete partnered with Open Restitution Africa to spark national dialogue through town halls and village interviews, reviving stalled efforts from 2018–2019. These gatherings revealed both shock and passion among Basotho communities, linking restitution to broader struggles over land and colonial legacies. For Segoete, returning Moshoeshoe’s belongings is about more than objects—it presents an opportunity to challenge skewed histories of “friendship” with colonizers. This growing movement is successfully pushing the issue into the national spotlight, creating momentum and putting pressure on decision-makers to finally bring these precious pieces of history home.
OkayAfrica
