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Debating the Bascom controversy: revisiting the expropriation and repatriation of the Ifẹ̀ bronzes
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 27 May 2024
Abstract
In 1937–38, the American doctoral candidate William R. Bascom conducted anthropological research in the sacred Yorùbá city of Ilé-Ifẹ̀, Nigeria. Bascom’s visit was a decisive moment in the history of African art, as, in 1938, he observed the chance discovery of unique copper and copper alloy heads, two of which he acquired and exported to the USA. Bascom’s actions in 1938, and his subsequent conflicts with British officials who demanded the return of the heads in the 1940s, have become matters of controversy and scholarly debate. Historian Robert Tignor and anthropologist Simon Ottenberg have presented contrasting arguments regarding the affair. This article draws on material from several archives to shed further light on this discussion, resolve remaining areas of dispute, and explore what the study of this controversy tells us about the nature and practice of anthropology, the impacts of Western exhibitions of African art, and early cultural preservation and repatriation efforts of the late colonial period. At a time when colonial-era collecting practices are facing increased critical re-examination, and with intensified calls for the repatriation of Nigerian cultural patrimony in Western museums, this article reflects on how the study of this controversy contributes to present restitution efforts.
Résumé
En 1937–1938, le doctorant américain William R. Bascom mena des recherches anthropologiques dans la ville sacrée yorùbá d’Ilé-Ifẹ̀, au Nigeria. La visite de Bascom fut un moment décisif dans l’histoire de l’art africain, car il observa en 1938 la découverte fortuite de têtes uniques en cuivre et en alliage de cuivre, en acheta deux et les exporta aux États-Unis. Les actions de Bascom en 1938 et ses conflits ultérieurs avec les autorités britanniques qui exigèrent le retour des têtes dans les années 1940 sont devenus des sujets de controverse et de débat scientifique. L’historien Robert Tignor et l’anthropologue Simon Ottenberg ont présenté des arguments contrastés sur cette affaire. Cet article s’appuie sur des documents provenant de plusieurs archives pour apporter un éclairage supplémentaire sur cette discussion, résoudre les points de controverse subsistants et explorer ce que l’étude de cette controverse nous dit de la nature et de la pratique de l’anthropologie, de l’impact des expositions occidentales d’art africain et des premiers efforts de préservation culturelle et de rapatriement à la fin de la période coloniale. À une époque où les pratiques de collecte de l’ère coloniale font l’objet d’un réexamen critique croissant et où les appels à rapatrier le patrimoine culturel nigérian dans les musées occidentaux s’intensifient, cet article réfléchit à la manière dont l’étude de cette controverse contribue aux efforts de restitution actuels.
Resumo
Em 1937–38, o doutorando americano William R. Bascom efectuou investigação antropológica na cidade sagrada Yorùbá de Ilé-Ifẹ̀, na Nigéria. A visita de Bascom foi um momento decisivo na história da arte africana, uma vez que, em 1938, observou a descoberta fortuita de cabeças únicas em cobre e liga de cobre, duas das quais adquiriu e exportou para os EUA. As acções de Bascom em 1938 e os seus conflitos subsequentes com as autoridades britânicas que exigiram a devolução das cabeças na década de 1940, tornaram-se assuntos de controvérsia e debate académico. O historiador Robert Tignor e o antropólogo Simon Ottenberg apresentaram argumentos contrastantes sobre o caso. Este artigo baseia-se em material de vários arquivos para lançar mais luz sobre esta discussão, resolver áreas de disputa remanescentes e explorar o que o estudo desta controvérsia nos diz sobre a natureza e a prática da antropologia, os impactos das exposições ocidentais de arte africana e os primeiros esforços de preservação e repatriamento cultural do período colonial tardio. Numa altura em que as práticas de colecionismo da era colonial enfrentam uma reavaliação crítica crescente e em que se intensificam os apelos ao repatriamento do património cultural nigeriano nos museus ocidentais, este artigo reflecte sobre a forma como o estudo desta controvérsia contribui para os actuais esforços de restituição.
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- © The Author(s), 2024. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of the International African Institute
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