Artifacts stolen from the Kingdom of Benin in the nineteenth century will be returned to Nigeria, according to a London museum.
The Horniman Museum stated that the Nigerian government would acquire ownership of 72 artefacts.
There are 12 Benin Bronzes, a brass cockerel, and a key to the king’s palace among the items on display.
Since the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) requested it back in January, it has now been granted permission to do research on the country’s history.
Among those consulted by the London museum are community people, visitors, students, researchers, heritage professionals and artists based in Nigeria and the United Kingdom, the museum said.
In addition to considering the pieces’ origin, the museum took into account all of the stakeholders’ perspectives on what should happen to the Benin artefacts.
Returning them was deemed “moral and appropriate” by the museum’s chair.
The political pressure on European governments and institutions to return looted artefacts has grown in recent years.
The Benin Bronzes are a group of metal and ivory sculptures.
Police in the United Kingdom have a precious sculpture of Nigeria’s Life in custody.
With this move, “The Horniman is happy and we look forward to cooperating with the NCMM in order to assure long-term care for these valuable artefacts.”
European governments and institutions have been under increasing pressure to recover looted artefacts in recent years.
The Benin Bronzes are a collection of metal and ivory sculptures from Benin.
A valuable sculpture depicting Nigeria’s Life has been taken into custody by UK police.
A Nigerian art dealer named Looty is on a crusade to restore digitally made African art that he believes has been stolen from his country.
In the words of museum director Eve Salomon: “An international panel of experts has approved our decision to return the ownership of these artefacts to Nigeria because of the overwhelming evidence that they were taken under duress.
To ensure the long-term preservation of these precious artefacts, “The Horniman is pleased and we look forward to partnering with the NCMM in order to ensure long-term care.”
