Netherlands Returns 119 Stolen Artifacts To Nigeria 

 

Source: Africa Publicity

The Netherlands has returned 119 ancient sculptures back to Nigeria. The sculptures were those stolen from the former kingdom of Benin over 120 years ago during the colonial era.

 

The AFP first reported about the Netherlands officially returning the artifacts to Nigeria.

 

The return of the artifacts comes as pressure mounts on Western governments and institutions to hand back the loots of colonial oppression.

A ceremony was held in Nigeria’s National Museum in Lagos to mark the return of the sculptures.

 

The priceless priceless “Benin Bronzes” — metal and ivory sculptures date back to the 16th to 18th centuries.

 

The sculptures included a bronze carving of a king’s head, a carved elephant tusk and a small leopard.

 

In the 19th century, British troops stole thousands of Benin Bronzes in the then-independent kingdom of Benin, in the south of present-day Nigeria.

 

The sculptures were stolen from the kingdom’s royal palace and have since been held in museums and private collections across Europe and the United States.

 

 

The four artifacts currently on display in Lagos will remain in the museum’s permanent collection, while the others will be returned to Ewuare II, the Oba of Benin — the traditional ruler of the kingdom of Benin in southern Nigeria.

 

Speaking at the ceremony in Lagos to celebrate the return of the artifacts, Olugbile Holloway, director-general of Nigeria’s National Commission for Museums and Monuments, says

“These are embodiments of the spirit and identity of the people from which they were taken from.”

 

According to him, “All we ask of the world is to treat us with fairness, dignity and respect.”

 

He disclosed that Germany had agreed to return over 1,000 additional Benin Bronze pieces, saying “The German government has actually signed a transfer agreement to hand over a 1,000 Benin Bronzes back” to Nigeria.

 

 

Nigeria’s art and culture minister Hannatu Musa Musawa, who signed the handover document with the Dutch ambassador for international cultural cooperation, Dewi van de Weerd, says “Nigeria needs to reclaim its history and its heritage”.

 

According to her, “The deal reached with Germany further underscores the growing international commitment to right historical wrongs and foster mutual respect.”

 

Van de Weerd says the Netherlands said the “return of the bronzes which were stolen in 1897 by the British is historic” and would help to restore “dignity”.