A powerful chapter in Sierra Leone’s cultural history was written on January 9, 2025, when a long-lost Nomoli artifact was formally returned to the Sierra Leone National Museum after decades in the Netherlands. The solemn yet celebratory ceremony marked more than the physical transfer of an ancient object it symbolized spiritual reconciliation, cultural justice, and a renewed commitment to safeguarding national heritage.
The historic event was hosted by the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs and brought together cultural custodians, traditional leaders, government officials, and heritage advocates. Speaking at the ceremony, Assistant Director of Culture, Mr. Ishmael Kamara, described the return as an act of ancestral reconnection. He emphasized that the artifact’s homecoming restored a broken cultural lineage and reaffirmed the enduring bond between the past and present.
At the heart of the ceremony was a sacred libation ritual performed by Chief Matthew Jiabao Young, Mende Tribal Head for the Western Area. The ritual, deeply rooted in tradition, was carried out to honor the spirits of the ancestors and to formally welcome the Nomoli back to its ancestral soil. In a symbolic gesture sealing the homecoming, Chief Young handed the artifact into the custody of the National Museum.
The successful repatriation was facilitated by Mr. Babah Tarawally, a Sierra Leonean writer and journalist based in the Netherlands, who served as a cultural bridge between both countries. Acting as a brand ambassador, Tarawally was entrusted by Dutch authorities to ensure the artifact’s safe return. He described the moment as deeply personal, noting that the Nomoli represents an inseparable part of Sierra Leone’s cultural DNA. He further called for the expansion of the National Museum to accommodate the many artifacts still scattered across foreign collections.
Commending the Netherlands for its ethical stance, Madam Binta Jalloh praised the decision to return the artifact and urged Sierra Leone to preserve it for future generations. She stressed that cultural heritage, once reclaimed, must be protected with the same reverence with which it was received.
Director of Culture, Mr. Foday Jalloh, linked the repatriation to Hon. Minister Nabeela Tunis’s declaration of 2026 as the “Year of Culture and Creativity.” In a passionate appeal, he called on all custodians of Sierra Leonean artifacts abroad to return them, asserting that the spirit of the Nomoli would continue to demand reunification with its homeland.
Curator of the National Museum, Madam Olivette L. Barnette, highlighted the educational and identity-shaping value of such artifacts, stating that they are essential in helping Sierra Leoneans understand who they truly are. Echoing this sentiment, Joseph Ben Kaifala, Chairman of the Monuments and Relics Commission, described the moment as a turning point in redefining national identity and pledged continued efforts to recover more displaced cultural treasures.
The return of the Nomoli artifact stands as a powerful symbol of international cultural cooperation and historical redress. Beyond its stone form, it carries the spirit, memory, and identity of a people—now restored to inspire generations yet unborn.