The Return of Benin Bronzes: A Step Towards Restitution
The Benin Bronzes, significant cultural artifacts seized during Britain’s colonial exploitation of the Benin Kingdom—now part of southern Nigeria—are at the center of a major restitution movement.
Recently, the Netherlands has taken a notable step forward by returning 119 ancient sculptures that were pilfered over 120 years ago. This donation occurred during a ceremony at the National Museum in Lagos, where Olugbile Holloway, the director-general of Nigeria’s National Commission for Museums and Monuments, emphasized the importance of these artifacts. He described them as “embodiments of the spirit and identity of the people from which they were taken.”
Holloway articulated a broader call for fairness, dignity, and respect in interactions between nations. He also noted that Germany has pledged to return over 1,000 additional artifacts, underscoring a growing trend of repatriation as global awareness increases regarding the injustices of colonialism.
Currently, four of the returned artifacts are now showcased in the museum’s courtyard, becoming a permanent part of its collection. The remaining pieces will be handed back to Ewuare II, the current Oba of Benin, continuing the lineage of cultural stewardship.
Dating back to the 16th to 18th centuries, the Benin Bronzes include exquisite sculptures crafted from metal and ivory. These items were originally taken in 1897 during a violent raid led by British forces under Sir Henry Rawson, which culminated in the exile of the reigning monarch, Ovonramwen Nogbaisi, for six months.
In 2022, Nigeria initiated a formal appeal for the return of hundreds of artifacts held in various museums globally. This year has already seen the successful return of 72 objects from a museum in London and 31 from Rhode Island in the United States, highlighting a significant shift towards addressing historical grievances and restoring cultural heritage.