Bordeaux rejects donation of artworks from seven African countries

Bordeaux – 01.06.2026: The city of Bordeaux officially rejected on 1 June 2026 a private donation of 53 artistic objects from seven African countries. This decision allows the direct transport of these works to their countries of origin, in particular to Gabon, which will recover 33 pieces of the collection.

The collection was assembled by Marie-Thérèse Petit, a former midwife from Bordeaux who worked between 1947 and 1982 in several African countries. She died in 2022 and bequeathed the collection to the city. The objects, which include artworks and pieces of jewelry, have since been kept at the Musée d’Aquitaine and come from Gabon, Nigeria, Niger, Côte d’Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Burkina Faso and Togo.

The decision by the city of Bordeaux represents a significant step within the context of current debates on the return of African cultural goods that were moved to Europe during the colonial era. It is in line with French legislation approved in May 2026 on the return of cultural goods acquired illegally.

The return of the 33 pieces to Gabon, attributed to the Tsogo people, is considered a historic moment for the country. These works have great cultural significance and will be exhibited at the Musée national des Arts, Rites et Traditions in Libreville.

Bordeaux’s decision to reject the donation allows the affected states to collaborate directly with the French authorities to coordinate the return of their cultural property. This promotes international cooperation and dialogue on the restitution of cultural goods acquired during the colonial era in Europe.

This development is part of a broader process in which several African countries are demanding the return of cultural goods from European museums. France has carried out several restitutions in recent years, including the return of 90 objects to Gabon in January 2024.

Bordeaux’s decision to reject the donation is seen as a positive example for the return of cultural goods and could serve as a model for other European cities facing similar debates. It underscores the importance of cooperation between the countries involved and the French authorities to facilitate the restitution of cultural property.

The return of these objects is not only seen as a cultural gain for Gabon, but also a step toward healing historical wounds and promoting cultural exchange between Europe and Africa. It symbolizes the recognition of the importance of the cultural heritage of the countries involved and the responsibility of former colonial powers to respect and return that heritage.