In the audio journal called Exhibiting Africa: the Politics of Museums we heard from experts on the topic. The purpose of museums, according to the man being interviewed, is the accumulation of things. Our museums are replete with Western Values on material objects. 

We learned that museums are more than just collections of items; they create knowledge by how the objects are labeled and arranged. The collections tell stories.

On the surface, the objects are interesting and provoke thought. However, fundamentally, these items are loot. Many western museums justify keeping these stolen objects by saying that they are better prepared to care for the objects rather than returning them.

There is another option. Repatriation of the objects intends to make amends with the past. To try and undue some of the harm done. Furthermore, most African museums do not want all of the objects to be returned. They want to leave some in western museums to serve as ambassadors, showcasing the creative output of people.

Ultimately, museums come down to power. Do they continue to patronize Africa as backwards and isolated? Or, do they create evocative themes with their collections, give some back, and give voice to the communities that created the art?