Netherlands to Return Over 100 Benin Bronzes to Nigeria
In a historic move, the Netherlands will repatriate significant cultural artefacts to Nigeria.
The Netherlands has announced it will return 119 Benin Bronzes that were looted by British soldiers in the late 19th century during the violent sacking of Benin City. This monumental repatriation involves intricate sculptures and carvings that date back to between the 15th and 19th centuries, many of which have been displayed at the Wereldmuseum in the Netherlands. Olugbile Holloway, director-general of Nigeria's National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), emphasized that this marks the "largest repatriation of Benin antiquities." The artefacts include a variety of items, such as figurines, an ivory mask, and sculptures of Benin rulers, reflecting deep spiritual and historical significance for many Nigerians. The agreement for their return is expected to be finalized shortly, setting a precedent that may influence other institutions, particularly the British Museum, which holds over 900 Benin Bronzes. This development ties into Nigeria's broader effort to reclaim its cultural heritage, part of which includes plans for the Edo Museum of West African Art, set to open in 2026, emphasizing the ongoing impact of colonial history on modern Nigeria.
In a historic move, the Netherlands will repatriate significant cultural artefacts to Nigeria.
The Netherlands has announced it will return 119 Benin Bronzes that were looted by British soldiers in the late 19th century during the violent sacking of Benin City. This monumental repatriation involves intricate sculptures and carvings that date back to between the 15th and 19th centuries, many of which have been displayed at the Wereldmuseum in the Netherlands. Olugbile Holloway, director-general of Nigeria's National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), emphasized that this marks the "largest repatriation of Benin antiquities." The artefacts include a variety of items, such as figurines, an ivory mask, and sculptures of Benin rulers, reflecting deep spiritual and historical significance for many Nigerians. The agreement for their return is expected to be finalized shortly, setting a precedent that may influence other institutions, particularly the British Museum, which holds over 900 Benin Bronzes. This development ties into Nigeria's broader effort to reclaim its cultural heritage, part of which includes plans for the Edo Museum of West African Art, set to open in 2026, emphasizing the ongoing impact of colonial history on modern Nigeria.
