Royal Artillery under fire after denying access to looted Asante treasure

The Guardian World

by Dalya Alberge

February 24, 2026

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The Royal Artillery has come under fire for withholding access to a rare and historically significant artifact: a golden lamb’s head looted by British forces in 1874 from the Asante people of modern-day Ghana. The extraordinary object, described as “glistening” and potentially museum-worthy, remains hidden within the regiment’s officers’ mess at Larkhill in Wiltshire, despite calls for its public display or repatriation. Critics argue that the artifact, taken during the Anglo-Asante wars, should be returned to its cultural origins, sparking debates over colonial history, cultural heritage, and restitution. The golden lamb’s head was among several treasures seized by British forces during military campaigns in what is now Ghana. These artifacts were often taken as spoils of war and later incorporated into regimental collections or private collections. While some of these items have been repatriated or displayed in museums, the Royal Artillery’s refusal to allow public access to this particular piece has raised questions about its intentions. Critics claim that keeping such an object hidden undermines efforts to address colonial injustices and promote cultural preservation. The issue has broader implications for global discussions around looted artifacts and their rightful ownership. Advocates argue that repatriation is a matter of justice, as many museums and institutions hold items acquired through conflict or coercion. The Asante people, now part of Ghana, have long sought the return of their cultural heritage, asserting that these objects are not

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Originally published on The Guardian World on 2/24/2026