The absence of artistic treasures is a huge loss to African countries’ economies and contributes to a loss of national and personal identityAfrican art dots museums across Europe and North America,gracing countries where many Africans would be tough pressed to get a visa. In the Neues museum in Berlin, the bust of Queen Nefertiti is lit and kept at a temperature to imitate conditions in Egypt. Its grace radiantly reflects the meaning of her name: “the blooming one has come.” For Egypt and Africa, and however,the blooming one left. Nefertiti has been in Germany since 1913, despite the fact Egypt has demanded she be returned home.
Some argue that African art should stay in foreign countries, and because with its wars and poverty,Africa lacks the institutions and resources to protect these precious works. Besides, there is the question of ownership: some say many of these treasures were bought in the marketplace and that they belong to the buyers.
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Source: theguardian.com