Netherlands To Return Largest Collection Of Benin Bronzes Looted In 1897
By Osehobo Ofure, Benin City
Nigeria will receive 113 Benin bronzes from the Netherlands, looted in 1897.
The artefacts will be formally handed over in Leiden, according to a post on the Dutch website.
The Dutch Minister of Education, Culture, and Science, Eppo Bruins, who approved the return at Nigeria’s request said the transfer agreement will be signed by Minister Bruins and Olugible Holloway, Director-General of Nigeria’s National Commission for Museums and Monuments.
DG Holloway said, “This will be the largest return of Benin antiquities linked to the 1897 British punitive expedition. We thank the Netherlands for their cooperation and hope this sets an example for other nations.”
According to the site, “The restitution follows a recommendation from the Colonial Collections Committee, chaired by Lilian Gonçalves-Ho Kang You. Nigeria will decide how and where to display the artifacts. Wereldmuseum Leiden, where the bronzes are currently housed, hopes this marks the start of further cooperation between museums in both countries”.
British soldiers looted the artifacts from the Kingdom of Benin and later sold them.
The bronzes, including plaques, ornaments, and figures, ended up in the Dutch State Collection. Experts from both countries worked together to facilitate their return.
Minister Bruins stated, “This restitution helps redress a historical injustice. Cultural heritage is vital for telling and living a country’s history. The Benin Bronzes are indispensable to Nigeria. It is good that they are going back.”
In addition, Rotterdam will return six more objects, including plaques, a bell, a coconut casing, and a staff.
Said Kasmi, a Rotterdam municipal executive, said, “Art and heritage should be where they belong. By returning them, we recognize the past and respect Nigeria’s cultural heritage.”
This marks the fifth restitution by the Netherlands based on the Colonial Collections Committee’s advice. The Committee is also reviewing claims from Sri Lanka, India, and Indonesia.
