Note: In 2006, René decided to establish a museum in Lomé with his newly-wed Togolese wife, which has served as a critical step for the sophistication of the local wooden sculptures. However, this seemingly ideal plan was terminated due to the deterioration of René's health condition. After selling the museum, they moved back to Zurich with all the collections. Therefore, there was nothing but a villa when the Chinese owner, Xie, took over the museum. Today, National Museum of China has established an unofficial relationship with MIAA. It is worth acknowledging to promote art of African wood carvings to the public; however, the global displacement of antiquities might be another aspect to contemplate.
The outlook of Miaa Musée Internationale dÁrt dÁfrique; photo: Chi-ying
博物館外觀入口處陳列許多等身高的木雕; photo: Chi-ying
(L) The wood cravings of animals in the garden, (R) The wood figurines on the corridor of MIAA; photo: Chi-ying
(L) The swomming pool, (R) The wooden furnitures; photo: Chi-ying
(L) Faure Gnassingbé, President of Togo, with 謝燕申, current owner of MIAA, (R) Traditional wood craving masks; photo: Chi-ying