London’s Horniman Museum to Return Benin Bronzes to Nigeria

London’s Horniman Museum to Return Benin Br

By Paul Sandle; Editing by Daniel Wallis, Reuters

▲pectoral mask ▲square bronze pendant or ornament

▲ woven basket ▲ artefact known as Oku’Oba (Oba Emissary)

London’s Horniman Museum said on Sunday, August 7, 2022, it would return 72 artefacts, including 12 brass plaques known as Benin Bronzes, looted from Benin City by British soldiers in 1897 to the Nigerian government.

Created from brass and bronze in the once mighty Kingdom of Benin in what is now southwestern Nigeria from at least the 16th century onwards, the Benin Bronzes are among Africa’s most culturally signifi cant artefacts.

They were seized, along with thousands of other items, in a British military incursion, and ended up in museums in Europe and the United States.

African countries have battled for years to recover works pillaged by explorers and colonisers, while Western institutions are grappling with the cultural legacies of colonialism.

German authorities last month returned the fi rst of more than 1,100 priceless sculptures to Nigeria, following examples set by Jesus College at Cambridge University and the Quai Branly museum in Paris last year. read more

The Horniman said Nigeria’s National Commission for Museums and Monuments

ronzes to Nigeria

▲ brass sculpture depicting a cockerel ▲ clapper bell

▲ carved wooden paddle ▲ circular fan

▲ Oba Orhogbua

(NCMM) had requested the return of the artefacts at the beginning of the year.

“The evidence is very clear that these objects were acquired through force, and external consultation supported our view that it is both moral and appropriate to return their ownership to Nigeria,” said Eve Salomon, chair of the trustees of the Horniman Museum and Gardens.

“The Horniman is pleased to be able to take this step and we look forward to working with the NCMM to secure longer term care for these precious artefacts.”

NCMM Director-General Abba Tijani welcomed the decision, saying he looked forward to discussing loan agreements and collaborations with the Horniman.

The returns are likely to increase pressure on the British Museum in London, which holds by far the largest and most signifi cant collection of Benin Bronzes.

Find article here. Image credit: Horniman Museum and Gardens/ Handout via REUTERS T