Africa's Struggle for Its Art

Reviews

"[This] revelatory new book charts the course of an all-but-forgotten movement. . . . [Savoy's] investigation yields a riveting scholarly whodunnit that doubles as a timely warning."—Julian Lucas, The New Yorker "[A] ground-breaking book."—Dan Hicks, Hyperallergic "A fascinating account of lies and disinformation from European institutions in the debate against restitution. . . . Savoy's deeply researched book marks a shift in tone from the many articles written recently on the African restitution debate . . . that erase African voices, focusing instead on the efforts of European intellectuals."—Nosmot Gbadamosi, Foreign Policy "A closely observed look at the resistance of European museums to repatriate artwork looted from Africa during the colonial era. . . . A thoughtful study in the ethics of art collection."—Kirkus Reviews "An incisive and eye-opening history."—J. J. Charlesworth, Art Review "[Africa's Struggle for Its Art] reveal[s] a vital understanding of the global story of struggles for African heritage restitution and its historical defeat. . . . [The] book serves as a warning that we have been here before and that last time we lost the battle. But it also serves as a kind of arsenal, to not fall for previous tricks, to expose old lies and to build upon what was already built by so many African and allies over decades."— Molemo Molloa, Africa is a Country "Africa's Struggle for Its Art usefully charts the prequel to current campaigns pressuring for the return of colonial plunder. . . . This is a history that few of us know."—David D'Arcy, Arts Fuse "Savoy has . . . made a significant move towards the final decolonisation of European museums and impacting the African nations into not only setting up new museums but also ratifying laws that focus on the protection of their cultural heritage. Hopefully, her book will also influence and shape the larger global conversations on the subject to counter the ridiculous argument of the western nations that such art objects now form an integral part of their own heritage."—Shelley Walia, Frontline "Africa's Struggle for Its Art, a highly readable and meticulously researched overview of the cultural-restitution debate in Europe. . . . A fascinating and highly recommended read for anyone interested in an often overlooked dynamic that continues to influence North–South relations."—Survival "A New Yorker Best Book of the Year" Expand reviews