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Website: Le Monde (🔶SITENAME🔶)
Title of the article: Restitutions of cultural goods: african countries express their expectations
* Canonical URL: 🔶CANONICALURL🔶
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Nigeria Celebrates Return of Benin Bronzes as Pressure Mounts for Restitution
Table of Contents
Nigeria has celebrated the return of 119 ancient Benin bronzes from the Netherlands, marking the latest victory in the growing movement for the restitution of African artifacts looted during the colonial era. The sculptures,which include metal and ivory pieces dating back to the 16th and 18th centuries,were stolen from the ancient Kingdom of Benin over 120 years ago.
A ceremony was held at the National Museum of Lagos to commemorate the occasion, with four of the bronzes – a monarch’s bust, an elephant tusk, and a small leopard – put on display.
A History of Looting
The Benin bronzes were taken by the British army in 1897 during a punitive expedition against the than-independent Kingdom of Benin, located in what is now southern Nigeria. Following the killing of nine British officers during a commercial mission,British forces razed Benin City,looted the Royal palace,and stole thousands of sculptures.
Voices of Pride and Hope
“These sculptures are the embodiment of the mind and identity of the people to whom they have been taken,” said Olugbile Holloway, director general of the National Museum Commission and the Monuments of Nigeria. “All we ask about the world is to treat ourselves [with] equity, dignity, and respect.”
Nigerian Culture Minister Hannatu Musa Musawa, who signed the restitution document with the Dutch ambassador, stated, “Nigeria must regain possession of its history and her inheritance.”
international Pressure
The restitution from the Netherlands comes amid increasing pressure on Western governments and institutions to return artifacts taken during colonial times. Germany has also agreed to return over a thousand Benin bronzes to Nigeria.
“The agreement made with Germany even further underlines the international commitment to rectify past errors and cultivate mutual respect,” added Minister Musawa.
However, the British Museum in London has so far refused to return its collection of Benin bronzes, citing a 1963 law that prohibits the museum from returning its treasures.
