The Netherlands has announced plans to return over 100 Benin Bronzes looted by British troops from Nigeria in the late 19th century and currently held in a Dutch museum. The artefacts, which include culturally significant sculptures and carvings, were taken during the violent sacking of Benin City in 1897. Following this turmoil, these treasures were distributed among collectors and institutions, with many finding their way to the Wereldmuseum in the Netherlands, where they have been exhibited for years.
Olugbile Holloway, the director-general of Nigeria's National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), referred to this repatriation as "the largest return of Benin antiquities to Nigeria." The collection consists of diverse artefacts created between the 15th and 19th centuries, including statues, ivory masks, and sculptures depicting the rulers of Benin. A formal transfer agreement is expected to be signed on Wednesday.
Holloway expressed hope that this significant move would inspire similar actions from other countries. Germany was the first to return over 20 Benin Bronzes in 2022, as part of their initiative to confront their colonial past. Dutch Minister of Culture, Education, and Science Eppo Bruins emphasized that this return is crucial for addressing "historical injustices."
These artefacts hold deep spiritual and historical connection for the people of Nigeria and serve as a reminder of the colonial violence experienced by the Benin Kingdom's descendants. The NCMM has extended formal requests for repatriation to various museums worldwide, including the British Museum, which possesses over 900 Benin artefacts. Although protests have targeted the British Museum advocating for the return of these pieces, legal barriers currently inhibit their shipment back to Nigeria.
In the backdrop of ongoing repatriation requests, Nigeria is planning to unveil the Edo Museum of West African Art in 2026, designed by British-Ghanaian architect Sir David Adjaye, which will feature the most comprehensive collection of Benin Bronzes to date.
Olugbile Holloway, the director-general of Nigeria's National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), referred to this repatriation as "the largest return of Benin antiquities to Nigeria." The collection consists of diverse artefacts created between the 15th and 19th centuries, including statues, ivory masks, and sculptures depicting the rulers of Benin. A formal transfer agreement is expected to be signed on Wednesday.
Holloway expressed hope that this significant move would inspire similar actions from other countries. Germany was the first to return over 20 Benin Bronzes in 2022, as part of their initiative to confront their colonial past. Dutch Minister of Culture, Education, and Science Eppo Bruins emphasized that this return is crucial for addressing "historical injustices."
These artefacts hold deep spiritual and historical connection for the people of Nigeria and serve as a reminder of the colonial violence experienced by the Benin Kingdom's descendants. The NCMM has extended formal requests for repatriation to various museums worldwide, including the British Museum, which possesses over 900 Benin artefacts. Although protests have targeted the British Museum advocating for the return of these pieces, legal barriers currently inhibit their shipment back to Nigeria.
In the backdrop of ongoing repatriation requests, Nigeria is planning to unveil the Edo Museum of West African Art in 2026, designed by British-Ghanaian architect Sir David Adjaye, which will feature the most comprehensive collection of Benin Bronzes to date.
