Germany Returns Indigenous Masks to Colombia: A Step Toward Reconciliation

In a gesture of goodwill and recognition, Germany has returned two masks made by the Indigenous Kogi people to Colombia. The masks, which date back to the mid-15th century, had been in a Berlin museum's collection for more than a century. The decision to restitute them follows several years of contacts between Berlin's museum authority and Colombia, and an official Colombian request last year for their return.

The wooden "sun masks" were handed over at the presidential palace during a visit to Berlin by Colombian President Gustavo Petro on Friday. German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier said at the handover ceremony that "we know that the masks are sacred to the Kogi," who live in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains of northern Colombia. He added that "may these masks have a good journey back to where they are needed, and where they are still a bridge between people and nature today."

Petro welcomed the return of "these magic masks," and said he hopes that "more and more pieces can be recovered." He said at a later news conference with Germany's chancellor that the Kogi community will ultimately decide what happens with the masks. He added: "I would like a museum in Santa Marta, but that's my idea and we have to wait for their idea."

The masks were acquired by Konrad Theodor Preuss, who was the curator of the forerunner of today's Ethnological Museum in Berlin, in 1915, during a lengthy research trip to Colombia on which he accumulated more than 700 objects. According to the German capital's museums authority, he wasn't aware of their age or of the fact they weren't supposed to be sold.

"This restitution is part of a rethink of how we deal with our colonial past, a process that has begun in many European countries," Steinmeier said. "And I welcome the fact that Germany is playing a leading role in this." He also praised Colombia for its efforts to achieve peace and reconciliation after decades of armed conflict.

Governments and museums in Europe and North America have increasingly sought to resolve ownership disputes over objects that were looted during colonial times. Last year, Germany and Nigeria signed an agreement paving the way for the return of hundreds of artifacts known as the Benin Bronzes that were taken from Africa by a British colonial expedition more than 120 years ago.

The return of the Kogi masks is a sign of respect and recognition for the cultural heritage and rights of Indigenous communities around the world. It is also an opportunity for dialogue and cooperation between countries that share a common history and face common challenges. As Petro said, "this is not only about returning objects, but also about returning dignity."

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