Data Stories

Open Restitution Africa

We use data stories to make restitution efforts visible, relatable, and impactful. By blending research with narrative, we show how numbers connect to people, communities, and heritage, transforming complex restitution data into accessible, human-centered insights.

1. Climbing Mountains

One night in 1985, thieves stole funerary statues—vigango—built by Kalume Mwakiru Katana in Mombasa to honor his late brothers, severing a deep cultural and spiritual connection. These sacred objects became prized collectibles abroad, making recovery feel nearly impossible. This story illustrates the steep, complex challenges of restitution and underscores the need for transparency, data access, and ethical collaboration across the journey to return African heritage.

2. Climbing Together

A successful restitution journey can feel like scaling a steep, unpredictable mountain—where collaboration becomes crucial. In “Climbing Together,” ORA highlights moments of breakthrough, such as the spiritual ritual for the Bamendou Tukah Mask’s power transfer and the return of other cultural artefacts. Data shows that when diverse actors—communities, academics, artists, spiritual leaders, and governments—unite, restitution efforts gain momentum and reach the summit.