Jamaican Minister Grange Negotiates Return of Taino Artefacts

A diplomatic delegation led by Jamaican Culture Minister Olivia Grange has arrived in London to negotiate the return of sacred Caribbean artefacts, specifically three 15th-century carved wooden “zemi” sculptures from the Taino people. These artefacts, taken during British colonial rule in 1792, include representations of the rain deity Boinayel, a bird-man figure, and a ceremonial cohoba platform.

Minister Grange asserts that these historical items belong to the Jamaican people and are essential for conveying the island's heritage. The discussions coincide with a petition presented to King Charles III regarding legal advice on transatlantic slavery, highlighting a push for reparatory justice.

Due to UK legal frameworks that restrict national museums from permanently deaccessioning items, museum directors are exploring multi-year loan partnerships as a workaround. The Jamaican delegation views cultural restitution as linked to their broader legal petition concerning the historical impacts of slavery, with successful agreements with Ghana and India serving as precedents for resolving repatriation disputes.