South African Princesses Seek Return of Stolen Family Heirloom From Ireland

Two South African princesses, Ncedisa Maqoma and Mamtshawe Zukiswa Kona, have made a direct appeal to President Michael D Higgins of Ireland to help repatriate a 150-year-old family heirloom that was looted from their ancestor, Chief Maqoma, and taken to Ireland. The sacred warrior stick, which holds immense cultural, spiritual, and historical significance for the Xhosa nation, had been in the National Museum of Ireland’s storage since 1880. The family had no knowledge of its whereabouts until recently.

In a private viewing at the National Museum of Ireland, Princesses Maqoma and Kona had the privilege of touching and photographing the stick, becoming the first Xhosa family members to do so in 150 years. They expressed their emotional connection to the heirloom and their desire to have it repatriated to South Africa as part of a broader effort to return culturally significant artifacts.

The princesses also appealed to Ireland’s Culture Minister, Catherine Martin, to facilitate the return of the stick, emphasising its importance as a family heritage and a narration of their history.

Nandi Jola, a South African scholar, playwright, and poet, initially discovered the existence of Chief Maqoma’s stick and has played a pivotal role in raising awareness of its historical and cultural significance. Her play, “Mamtshawe — The Rise Of Maqoma,” featuring the actual stick, premiered at the National Museum of Ireland and has garnered widespread attention.

The case highlights the ongoing global conversation about the repatriation of culturally sensitive objects and the importance of recognising the historical and emotional connections that communities have with their heritage which was stolen by imperialists in the not too distant past.

Original Source: Irish Examiner