Source: Africa Publicity
In a landmark repatriation agreement, the Netherlands has announced it will be returning 119 Benin Bronzes to Nigeria, marking the largest repatriation of Benin antiquities to date. The move is a significant step towards rectifying the historical injustice inflicted upon Nigeria by British colonial forces, who looted thousands of culturally significant sculptures and carvings from Benin City in 1897.
The artefacts being returned, which include figurines, tusks, sculptures of Benin’s rulers, and an ivory mask, were created between the 15th and 19th centuries. Despite being referred to as “bronzes,” not all the statues are made of bronze. The treasures were sold to private collectors and museums, including the Wereldmuseum in the Netherlands, where they have been displayed for decades.
According to Olugbile Holloway, Director-General of Nigeria’s National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), the return of the Benin Bronzes is a significant milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to reclaim its cultural heritage. Holloway expressed hope that this move would set a good example for other countries to follow.
The Netherlands’ decision to return the Benin Bronzes follows Germany’s lead in 2022, when it returned over 20 bronzes as part of its efforts to confront its “dark colonial history”. The move may increase pressure on other institutions, particularly the British Museum, which holds over 900 Benin Bronzes, to return the artefacts to Nigeria.
The British Museum has faced protests and demonstrations calling for the return of the Benin Bronzes, but an act of parliament prevents the museum from deaccessioning the artefacts. For many Nigerians, the Benin Bronzes serve as a poignant reminder of the violence and trauma inflicted by colonialism.
Nigeria plans to open the Edo Museum of West African Art in Benin City in 2026, designed by British-Ghanaian architect Sir David Adjaye, to house the largest collection of Benin Bronzes ever assembled. The museum will provide a fitting home for the returned artefacts, allowing Nigerians to reconnect with their cultural heritage and celebrate the rich history of the Benin kingdom.
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