#Stolen Diamonds

[rko-radio-pictures]

The sleeper hit of 1988.

[reasoningdaily]

JOHANNESBURG – The dazzling Cullinan diamonds, set in King Charles’s sceptre and Queen Camilla’s crown, find themselves at the centre of a global conversation over the legacy of colonial occupation and repatriation.

At 3,106 carats, the Cullinan Diamond remains the largest rough diamond ever found. The subsequent cutting and polishing of the diamond produced nine major stones, including the Great Star of Africa and the Second Star of Africa, which now grace the sceptre and crown, respectively.

The discovery in 1905 at the Premier Mine near Pretoria, South Africa, marked a momentous occasion in the history of South Africa’s mining industry.

Part of the British Crown Jewels, the gems are a testament to the mineral wealth of South Africa – and the practice of the removal of such wealth, which continues in some form or another to this day, according to Everisto Benyera, Professor of African Politics at the University of South Africa and ardent decolonialist.

“Each monarchy, each epoch is kicking the can down the road,” he told i.

The history of mining in South Africa is inextricably linked with colonialism and exploitation, generating massive wealth for the few while workers, mainly Africans, were subject to forced labour, harsh and dangerous working conditions and environmental destruction, the ramifications of which are still felt in the country today in wealth inequality and the piles of mine dumps that dot much of the land.

Such was their value when discovered, the Cullinan diamonds were transported out of the country and to the United Kingdom by sleight of hand, with the public believing them to be under heavy armed guard and travelling via steamship. In reality, they were sent by registered mail in a tin, ensuring their safe arrival in Britain and transformation into a prominent symbol of imperial wealth and power.

Read Next

More than a century later, the Cullinan diamonds are again glimmering in the limelight. Global discourse has changed, and increasingly front and centre are contentions of reparation. While the diamonds were gifted to King Edward VII by the Transvaal Colony, then under British rule, the gesture is now viewed by some as a symbol of colonial exploitation.

“Cullinan is named after Sir Thomas Cullinan, who was the Chairperson of the mine – he was not one of us, he was a coloniser,” said Professor Benyera. “That diamond was given to the British monarchy by the Transvaal government as a token of appreciation for self-government granted by the British monarchy… You give us self-rule, and we give you this gem.”

He, like many critics, argues that returning the diamonds to South Africa would be a powerful acknowledgement of the country’s turbulent past and its ongoing struggle for justice. “The least they could have done was remove [the diamonds] from the regalia, acknowledge it – then we can talk. If you steal from someone and continue to believe it is yours, you are justifying the theft.”

Proponents of repatriation see the diamonds as an essential part of their cultural heritage. Soon after Her Majesty’s death, nearly 8,000 people signed a petition demanding their return. One South African MP and head of the African Transformation Party (ATM), Vuyo Zungula, went further on Twitter, arguing for the return of “all the gold, diamonds stolen by Britain” – a perspective that is increasingly shared in the post-colonial world.

By the time the Cullinan diamond was discovered, South Africa was producing over a quarter of the globe’s gold, much of it making its way to the United Kingdom.

“The United Kingdom must acknowledge that they violated our human rights,” Mr Zungula told i. “Our position is that the mineral wealth in South Africa belongs to the People of South Africa not British Palace. We want our diamond back or its monetary value.”

The Crown maintains that the diamonds were a gift, and returning them would set a precedent for the repatriation of numerous other artefacts – a legitimate fear, but some argue a just consequence, even if it should have far-reaching implications for museums and collections worldwide.

The Crown’s reluctance to return the diamonds is a symbol of the unwillingness of former colonial powers to address the legacies of their past actions, according to Professor Benyera. “For them, I think the fear is that they do not want to face the totality of their dark history. The fact that they refuse to remove the Cullinan diamond from off their regalia states that they still view us as colonial subjects.”

Indeed, Queen Camilla decided not to wear the Koh-i-noor diamond in her crown for the coronation, one of the crown jewels claimed by India, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran.

The diamonds are emblematic of broader discussions on post-colonial reparations and the global shrinking importance of monarchies. As countries grapple with the legacy of colonialism, the question of who owns cultural artefacts looms large. In some cases, the repatriation of significant items has served as a symbolic act of reconciliation and healing – such is the case of the return of the Benin bronzes to Nigeria, sparking a strong sense of cultural pride and highlighting the import of historical injustices.

As the coronation approaches, the Cullinan diamonds will again be on display for the world to admire. Yet, behind their dazzling brilliance lies a complex history fraught with colonialism, subterfuge, and competing claims. The debate over their repatriation serves as a potent reminder of the ongoing struggle for justice and the importance of confronting the past to forge a more equitable future.

Similar requests for repatriation of precious stones and historical artefacts have been made by many former British colonies.

As King Charles and Queen Camilla ascend the throne, the world awaits not only the ceremonial traditions, but also the unfolding discourse on justice between nations with intertwined, if painful histories

[langfield]

max getting three poc love interests ( yes, safi counts in my mind ) is SO good and a nice change of pace to the constant streak of white love interests in lis when you don’t have someone crying about how ‘max would never!’ in your ear

[featherglum]

Referencing The Cyberiad with your bestie in the dnd campaign as a joke is all fun and games until the DM says "actually. I'm going to make your trip to Cymberia fully canon and plot relevant ".

[alphie-in-the-sky]

[synthient]

oh no. the werewolves are going to turn the british empire evil. it sure would be a shame if the british empire were evil

[elspethdixon]

Morgoth Imageboard/Moodboard

(Again, technically for Angbang week but didn’t fit any prompts)

I am Melkor, the Elder King who was before the world, and made it

[midwestcannibal]

shoutout to the smithsonian just Having the fucking hope diamond btw. that was wild

[smookiekuma]

[VERSION 8: DIGITAL]

Yes, I am obsessed with Blue back then.

[reasoningdaily]

A ceremonial cap worn by courtiers at coronations is among the items now on display in Kumasi

African countries have repeatedly called for the return of looted items with some regaining ownership over precious historical artefacts in recent years.

Looted artefacts from the Asante kingdom are finally on display in Ghana, 150 years after British colonisers took them.

Ghanaians flocked to the Manhyia Palace Museum in Kumasi, the capital of Asante region, to welcome the 32 items home.

"This is a day for Asante. A day for the Black African continent. The spirit we share is back," said Asante King Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.

At this stage the items have only been loaned to Ghana for three years.

This loan can be extended, but only with the approval of the British culture secretary.

The agreement is between two British museums - the Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A) and British Museum - and the Asante king, not the Ghanaian government.

The Asante king, or Asantehene, is seen as a symbol of traditional authority, and is believed to be invested with the spirits of his predecessors. But his kingdom is now part of Ghana's modern democracy.

"Our dignity is restored," Henry Amankwaatia, a retired police commissioner and proud Asante, told the BBC, over the hum of jubilant drumming.

The neck ring or 'kanta' (R) was worn by the king at important funerals

The V&A is lending 17 pieces while 15 are from the British Museum.

The return of the artefacts coincides with the silver jubilee celebration of the Asantehene.

A guide to Africa's 'looted treasures'

UK to loan back Ghana's looted 'crown jewels'

Some of the items, described by some as "Ghana's crown jewels" were looted during the Anglo-Ashanti wars of the 19th Century, including the famous Sargrenti War of 1874.

Other items like the gold harp (Sankuo) were given to a British diplomat in 1817.

"We acknowledge the very painful history surrounding the acquisition of these objects. A history tainted by the scars of imperial conflict and colonialism," said Dr Tristam Hunt, director of the Victoria and Albert Museum, who has travelled to Kumasi for the ceremony.

The display is part of the silver jubilee celebrations of Asante King Otumfo Osei Tutu II

Among the returned artefacts are the sword of state, gold peace pipe and gold badges worn by officials charged with cleansing the soul of the king.

"These treasures have borne witness to triumph and trials of the great kingdom and their return to Kumasi is testament to the power of cultural exchange and reconciliation" said Dr Hunt.

One of the returned items, the sword of state, also called the "mpompomsuo sword" holds great significance for the Asante people.

It serves as a sword of office that is used in swearing the oath of office to the kingdom by paramount chiefs and the king himself.

Royal historian Osei-Bonsu Safo-Kantanka told the BBC that when the items were taken from the Asante it took away "a portion of our heart, our feeling, our whole being".

This gold headpiece known as "krononkye" was used when royalty was grieving

The midnight knife (L) was used for covert operations. The gold badges (R) were worn by the king's soul washers

The return of the artefacts is as controversial as it is significant.

Under UK law, national museums like the V&A and British Museum are banned from permanently giving back contested items in their collections, and loan deals such as this are seen as a way to allow objects to return to their countries of origin.

Some countries laying claim to disputed artefacts fear that loans may be used to imply they accept the UK's ownership.

Many Ghanaians feel the ornaments should remain permanently. However, this new arrangement is a way to overcome British legal restrictions.

African countries have repeatedly called for the return of looted items with some regaining ownership over precious historical artefacts in recent years.

You may also be interested in:

Top Belgian museum rethinks its Africa relationship

'My great-grandfather sculpted the Benin Bronzes'

France gives back sword of anti-colonial fighter

[phantombirbinapinetree]

I wish getting mushroom blocks were easier to get i need them for my roof but I can't find the diamonds for a diamond pickaxe or lava. My luck mining luck stays awful

[clawsextended]

if you have $$$$ yes selina will care, but if you have rare artifacts and precious jewelry, she’s way more the fuck likely to care.

[leaf4e]

my way to not get stolen from when camping on the hill across spawn

[bigsquirrel18]

[oceantornadoo]

this is nasty because i’m insane

bank robber simon riley known as the ghost because of how quietly he slips in and out of vaults. always minimal injuries to innocents with big paydays. he works alone or with a crew called the 141, and he’s never been caught. doesn’t matter how many cameras, guards, door locks or silent alarms, he always gets away. with the amount he’s stolen, people speculate he could be living like a king for generations.

he can’t, unfortunately, because he has a bird who loves shiny things. his little magpie squeals at every new necklace, shiny bracelet, diamond ring. she fucks him better when it’s a rare piece, letting him do whatever he wants, whichever hole in whatever order. doesn’t matter if he’s the one robbing, one look into those pleading eyes and he’s on his knees.

so no, ghost the bank robber cannot retire, because he has a magpie at home who won’t stop until every bank is empty.

[poguehearted77]

Tap Out

Just thinking about Rafe's super gorgeous, beautifully breathtaking girlfriend who is notorious for giving people a hard time. Especially him.

She got that million dollar Million dollar oow, oow And all I want to do is touch it Make her tapout, tapout, tapout, tapout,

Rafe stands tall and brooding in front of the bed where you sat while he hits replay on the overbearing series of voicemails you'd left him while he was out.

"Hi Rafe, I know you said you and Barry had to go take care of whatever it was that you said—I don't know; I wasn't really listening, but I just saw this new coach bag online, and I need you to send me a picture of your credit card front and back so I can get it. Thanks in advance baby."

You stay silent and unbothered by the replay.

He plays the next one, "It's almost midnight, Rafe. When are you coming home? I miss you. The bed is so big and empty without you in it. You remember that night we came back from the Blue Diamond charity gala and we barely made it up the stairs? The way you fucked me so good, left me aching for you for days--mmmm, wanna feel you like that again, come home Rafeyy."

Your boyfriend huffs as he moves to play the last one except this one is silent for the first few moments until some lewd sounds can be picked up. It's wet and sticky. It sounds like Thanksgiving mac and cheese being stirred in the pot. Soon, the faintest string of moans can be heard.

Most wouldn't be able to pick up on it, but not Rafe. His ears are trained to the sound of your voice. He's accustomed to every pitch, tone and frequency your pleasure can take on.

You stand, ready to plead your case, "You were gone for hours, what was I supposed to do?" Your arms cross defensively and they suddenly drop when Rafe's big hand is holding you by the throat, squeezing tight enough to have you gasping.

"You think this shit is funny?" His voice is strict, unwavering and serious. "What if Barry heard this? Huh?" Your eyes roll, defences refusing to crumble even with a limited supply of air, "It's Barry, he'd probably thank me-"

You need to learn when to shut up at the end of a rhetorical question because now Rafe had you bent up like a pretzel. One hand is still around your neck while the other holds you at the waist.

Your legs are shaking as he brings you to what you thought was your third orgasm but is actually the fourth (you'd blacked out during the second one). "Rafe- no- s'too much," You murmur, voice broken and weak from all your screams.

"Nothin's too much for you." He groans, punctuating his sentences with a sharp snap of his hips. It sends you reeling and your eyes roll back as you feel that familiar heat begin to unfurl in your core.

You shake your head repeatedly, "I can't--Rafe! Please." You beg, so incredibly turned on by the sight of your hot boyfriend who looked down to where your bodies connected. The way your slick covered his cock down to his balls. It pulls a groan out of him from his core.

You admired the sweat that gathered over the thin hairs on his chest and that piercing blue gaze that would glance up at you from time to time to taunt you like now. "You know what to do if you can't take it sweet thing." You do know what to do, but you refuse to back down, you're so close.

"O-oh shit I'm-" The words escape and your climax is stolen from you when Rafe stops completely and pulls out, his hands move down to your hips, shamelessly displaying his physical dominance over you and flipping you onto your stomach effortlessly.

He grips the flesh of your waist and manhandles you until you're being pulled back against him, the beautiful sight of your plump and juicy ass in his hands is enough to send him to the heavens above or maybe the firey pits below.

You're already too weak to hold yourself up on your arms, so you let yourself fall into the sheets. Your cries muffled into the pillows as Rafe slowly presses back into you, stretching you back open. His rhythm picks up with nothing but urgency and mercilessness.

Your back arches, and you cry out his name when you're blinded by your own orgasm. Coming undone once more and he comes soon after with a breathy chuckle. His hips are still rolling into yours lethargicly when he whispers, "You got one more in you, baby?"

"Fuck no. I'm done." You whine, your fists tapping out on the pillow and his pace slows until he finally stops, slowly pulling out.

"That'll teach you to fuck with my voicemails when I'm not here." He lays himself down beside you, carefully moving the stray strands of hair out of your face to admire you.

Your lips were swollen from all the sucking and biting he'd done to them earlier, your cheeks flushed and your body is spent. You grin, "You know you liked it, especially that last one." Rafe exhaled, even in your drained state you can still find time to be bratty.

"I did, I did. You sounded so fucking pretty playing with that perfect pussy of yours. Had to go rub one out in Barry's bathroom because of you." You smile a little bigger at that. "Good." Is all you say and Rafe can only roll his eyes as he moves to hold you in his arms.

You both lay there, enjoying the warmth of each other's bodies until Rafe speaks up softly, "Tuesday." He says, and your head looks up at him with a confused tilt. Without having to ask him, he explains, "The purse you want. I ordered it. It'll be here on Tuesday."

Just when your smile couldn't get any bigger, it does, and Rafe can't help but to be in awe because god you're so fucking gorgeous but you're such a pain in the ass.

His prettiest headache.