The famous Cullinan I, known as the Star of Africa, was cut from the Cullinan diamond, a 3,100-carat gemstone mined near Pretoria
On Saturday, May 6, Mr Charles will be crowned King in a historic ceremony full of symbolism at Westminster Abbey.
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Among the concessions and emblematic crown jewels that will be used during the ceremony is the “Monarch’s Scepter with Cross”, with the famous Cullinan Ia flawless one diamond 530 carat known as the Star of Africa.
The diamond was discovered in 1905 in South Africa and was offered to the British monarchy by the colonial governor of the country, which was then under British rule.
Cullinan I, the diamond on the scepter was cut from the Cullinan diamond, a 3,100 carat gem mined near Pretoria.
Now, amid a global debate over the return of art and artifacts looted during colonial rule, some South Africans are calling for the diamond to be returned.
“The diamond must come to South Africa. It should be a sign of our pride, our heritage and our culture,” says Mothusi Kamanga, a lawyer and activist in Johannesburg who has promoted online request for the return of the diamond, which has collected approx 8,000 signatures.
“In general I think the African people are beginning to realize that decolonization is not only about allowing people to have certain freedoms, but also about taking back what was expropriated from us.” Officially known
“I think it should come back because ultimately they took it from us while they were oppressing us,” says Mohammed Abdullahi, a resident of Johannesburg.
Others, however, say they don’t have strong feelings about it.
“I don’t think it matters anymore. Things have changed, we are evolving,” says Diketseng Nzanjaba.
“What mattered to them back in the day was looking superior … it doesn’t matter to us anymore.”
A smaller diamond cut from the same stone, known as the Cullinan II, adorns the Imperial Crown worn by British monarchs on ceremonial occasions. Along with the sceptre, it is kept like the other crown jewels in the Tower of London.
A replica of the entire Cullinan diamond, which is about the size of a fist, is on display at the Cape Town Diamond Museum.
Source :Skai
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