Museum of Black Civilizations opens

Dakar – A museum showcasing black heritage from the dawn of time to the modern era opened in the Senegalese capital yesterday.

The opening came as African countries press harder for the restitution of artwork from their former colonial masters – and as France made its first steps, pledging to return artworks to Benin.

The Museum of Black Civilisations will foster the “dialogue of cultures” and offer a “new view of Africa and its diaspora, which recognises our part in the great human adventure”, Senegalese President Macky Sall said as he opened the museum.

“Today rekindles in us the precursors of pan-Africanism and African identity,” Sall said.

Among the guests was Chinese Culture Minister Luo Shugang, whose country financed the project to the tune of 30 million euros (R480 million).

Spread over 14 000 square metres, the museum has a capacity to house 18 000 pieces.

Museum director Hamady Bocoum said the collection, which includes megaliths dating back more than 1 700 years ago alongside contemporary art, would both honour the past and look to the future. –