The 72 items were looted from Benin City in 1897, during a British military invasion of Nigeria
A museum in London has decided to return more than 70 items from its collection to Nigeria. The 72 objects were looted from Benin City in 1897, during a British military invasion of Nigeria.
The objects include the well-known Benin Bronzes, consisting of 12 copper plates, as well as ivory ceremonial objects, a key “to the king’s palace”, bronze bells, a bronze altar piece, everyday objects such as fans and baskets.
The repatriation follows a request received in January by the Horniman Museum, in south-east London, from the Nigerian National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM).
He then undertook to research the request and consulted with the local community, students, academics and historians, as well as artists based in Nigeria and the UK, to get their views on what should happen with the collection.
Eve Salomon, chairperson of the Museum’s trustees said: “These objects were obtained by force and we believe it is ethical and appropriate that their ownership be returned to Nigeria. Horniman is delighted to take this step and we look forward to working with the NCMM to ensure the long-term care of these precious objects.”
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