Bordeaux Refuses African Art Legacy to Facilitate Repatriation

On June 1, 2026, Bordeaux will decline a bequest of 53 African artifacts to enable their return to their respective nations. This move, in collaboration with various African nations and the French Ministry of Culture, is part of ongoing discussions about restitution. The collection, which belonged to Marie-Thérèse Petit, who resided in Togo, Gabon, and Niger from 1947 until 1982, was left to Bordeaux following her passing in 2022. The Musée d'Aquitaine has cataloged 64 cultural items, including Tuareg jewelry worth €30,810, from seven different countries. In September 2023, Gabon expressed its desire for repatriation. Mayor Thomas Cazenave will discuss this matter at 11 am, with a delegation from Gabon in attendance, following the law enacted on April 13 regarding the restitution of colonial-era artifacts.