The Netherlands plans to return 119 artifacts, including sculptures and ivory masks, looted in the 19th century
Netherlands Agrees to Repatriate Looted Benin Bronzes to Nigeria
Netherlands Agrees to Repatriate Looted Benin Bronzes to Nigeria
Historic move marks the largest return of Benin artifacts to their homeland
The Netherlands has announced a landmark decision to return over 100 Benin Bronzes, significant artifacts that were plundered by British forces during their violent conquest of Benin City in Nigeria in the late 19th century. These culturally important sculptures and carvings, which ended up in the Wereldmuseum in the Netherlands, hold immense historical value and symbolize the colonial injustices faced by Nigeria.
According to Olugbile Holloway, the director-general of Nigeria's National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), this repatriation is the largest of its kind for Benin antiquities. The collection of 119 items comprises not only bronze pieces but also ivory masks and sculptures of Benin's rulers. These artifacts were crafted between the 15th and 19th centuries and have been cherished for their artistic skill and spiritual significance.
A formal transfer agreement is set to be signed on Wednesday, serving as a hopeful gesture towards improving international collaboration and reparative justice. Holloway expressed optimism about this action inspiring other nations to follow suit regarding their own artifacts. The move aligns with Germany’s previous return of over 20 Benin Bronzes and contributes to ongoing discussions about addressing historical grievances tied to colonial exploitation.
The beauty and technical artistry of these sculptures resonate deeply with descendants of the ancient Benin kingdom, whose pain is compounded by the legacy of colonial violence. As pressure mounts on institutions like the British Museum, which retains over 900 Benin artifacts, Nigeria continues its campaign for global repatriation efforts with formal requests made to museums around the world.
Looking to the future, Nigeria aims to inaugurate the Edo Museum of West African Art in Benin City by 2026, designed by renowned architect Sir David Adjaye, with the ambition of creating the largest assembly of Benin Bronzes ever compiled. This will not only preserve the cultural heritage of the Benin kingdom but also affirm its rightful place in history.
According to Olugbile Holloway, the director-general of Nigeria's National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), this repatriation is the largest of its kind for Benin antiquities. The collection of 119 items comprises not only bronze pieces but also ivory masks and sculptures of Benin's rulers. These artifacts were crafted between the 15th and 19th centuries and have been cherished for their artistic skill and spiritual significance.
A formal transfer agreement is set to be signed on Wednesday, serving as a hopeful gesture towards improving international collaboration and reparative justice. Holloway expressed optimism about this action inspiring other nations to follow suit regarding their own artifacts. The move aligns with Germany’s previous return of over 20 Benin Bronzes and contributes to ongoing discussions about addressing historical grievances tied to colonial exploitation.
The beauty and technical artistry of these sculptures resonate deeply with descendants of the ancient Benin kingdom, whose pain is compounded by the legacy of colonial violence. As pressure mounts on institutions like the British Museum, which retains over 900 Benin artifacts, Nigeria continues its campaign for global repatriation efforts with formal requests made to museums around the world.
Looking to the future, Nigeria aims to inaugurate the Edo Museum of West African Art in Benin City by 2026, designed by renowned architect Sir David Adjaye, with the ambition of creating the largest assembly of Benin Bronzes ever compiled. This will not only preserve the cultural heritage of the Benin kingdom but also affirm its rightful place in history.
