This archive report was first published on 30 July 2019.
On July 30, 2019, the Kenyan government received 30 cultural artefacts known as 'Vigangos' from the Denver Museum of National History in the United States.
The artefacts, which were handed over at the Fort Jesus Museum in Mombasa, were taken to the museum earlier this month.
The 'Vigangos' are gravestones erected in the homestead of a Giriama Elder as a sign of respect, and they represent spirits of spiritual leaders of the Gohu society of the Giriama community.
Speaking during the handing over ceremony, Culture, Sports and National Heritage Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed said that the theft of cultural artefacts has been a common thing, and their value is often converted to money rather than being cherished as a symbol of pride and identity.
"The value of cultural artefacts is sadly converted to money and not pride, owner and the identity of our people," Mohamed said.
She added that the return of the artefacts is a remarkable milestone in the quest for social and cultural justice for the Coastal people.
The government is hopeful that more of the artefacts will be brought back to the country, and they are expected to be transported to Kilifi County, their original home, where another ceremony to receive them is expected before they are returned to the rightful owners.
Director General NMK Dr. Mzalendo Kibunjia said that they have embarked on a process to recover all stolen artifacts which are outside the country.
The Kaya Elder Joseph Karisa said that the artefacts have a meaning and the engravings on them are different, representing spirits of spiritual leaders of the Gohu society of the Giriama community.
Special regard to @DenverMuseumNS for repatriating these artifacts and for leading the way for other Museums of international repute in this sensitive area of cultural repatriation," Said CS Amina Mohamed.
