An investigation has uncovered colonial artefacts in the Dutch royal family’s collections which may not have been acquired lawfully.
These include a distinctive golden amulet necklace from Indonesia and historical weapons.
A commission set up three years ago to investigate the matter presented its report in The Hague on Thursday. The Royal Collections Foundation had asked the commission to probe approximately 1,000 objects.
The researchers say most items in the collections are gifts. However, several dozen objects came into the royal family's possession as spoils of war presented to members of the royal house.
According to the investigation, the items of plunder include an Indonesian flintlock handgun belonging to local ruler Raden Intan, which was captured during an expedition in 1856. A shield belonging to the prince of Samalanga, captured during an expedition in 1877, is also in the collection. Both expeditions took place in what was then known as the Dutch East Indies.
The researchers examined objects that had come into the possession of the royal family between 1840 and 1949. According to the commission, older colonial objects have not been preserved. The objects originate primarily from Indonesia, Suriname and the Dutch Caribbean islands.
The disputed objects are now to be made digitally accessible. Negotiations on possible restitution will then take place with representatives of the countries of origin.
Queen Máxima, chair of the foundation, welcomed the findings of the investigation. “Careful handling of the colonial objects within the royal collections is of paramount importance,” she said.
