Cullinan Diamond Known as the 'Star of Africa'
Exported to Britain During Colonial Era... Over 8,000 Online Petitions for Return
As the coronation of King Charles III of the United Kingdom approaches, South Africa is demanding that the UK return the world's largest diamond.
On the 4th (local time), Reuters reported that some South African activists have called on the UK to return the diamond known as the "Star of Africa," the largest diamond in the world.
This is part of a movement to reclaim the diamond called the "Cullinan," which is embedded in the scepter and crown that Charles III will hold during his coronation.
The activists gathered over 8,000 signatures online to draft a petition. Motusi Kamanga, a lawyer and activist from Johannesburg, emphasized, "This diamond must come to South Africa," adding, "It needs to become a symbol of our pride, heritage, and culture."
He further stated, "African people are beginning to realize that decolonization is not only about freedom but also about reclaiming what was looted."
The "Cross Scepter," which has always appeared at the coronations of British monarchs since Charles II, contains the Cullinan, the largest clear diamond in the world.
The rough diamond was discovered in 1905 at a private mine in the northeastern region of South Africa, which was under British colonial rule at the time. Edward VII, the British king then, received the 3,106-carat rough stone as a birthday gift.
The rough stone was later cut into nine large pieces and ninety-six smaller pieces. The processed diamonds were used in the British king's scepter and crown, respectively.
Regarding this, South African activists argue that although the Cullinan diamond was sent to the British royal family as a "gift," it was only possible because of colonial rule. They claim the export itself was illegal.
Mohamed Abdullahi, a resident of Johannesburg, said, "Because they (the British) took it during the period they oppressed us, I think it should be returned to South Africa."
Currently, Reuters reported that only a replica of the Cullinan diamond rough stone is exhibited at a diamond museum in Cape Town, South Africa.
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