Alanya Smith
The Horniman Museum and Gardens in London has planned to return 12 Benin Bronze artefacts to Nigeria, where they were originally removed by force by British soldiers.
Having been displayed at the museum for research and education, the artefacts contribute to a broader movement of recognising the malpractice of colonialism and imperialism in British art, history, and culture.
History of the Benin Bronzes
Today, the Kingdom of Benin is now the capital of the Edo State. Southwestern Nigeria was pillaged by British colonisers in 1897 through ‘bloody and devastating’ practices.
This included the theft of Benin Bronzes and bronze plaques that previously decorated the royal court of Benin that were originally created in the sixteenth century. Subsequently, the statues were exported as far as the United States, New Zealand and Japan.
Palace spokesman, Charles Edosonmwan, states “They are not just art but they are things that underline the significance of our spirituality”.
Alongside the artefacts, 72 other pieces are also being returned to the Nigerian government.
Colonial Legacy
“They are not just art but they are things that underline the significance of our spirituality”
It is estimated that 90% of Africa’s cultural heritage and artefacts are held in Europe. A representative from the Horniman Museum and Gardens acknowledged the artefacts were “acquired through force”. The Nigerian National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) are attributed for the return of the Benin Bronzes to Nigeria, after a successful request made in January 2022.
Eve Salomon, the board’s chair, commented that “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.”
NCMM director, Abba Tijani, stated that the commission “very much welcomes” the action and is hopeful for further collaborations with the museum.
The museum is not the first to have apologised and returned stolen artefacts to Nigeria. German authorities returned 1,100 artefacts to Nigeria earlier this year. Plans have been made to produce a new museum in Benin City, celebrating and showcasing the returned artefacts with the collaboration of German officials.
French President Emmanuel Macron visited Benin to discuss security and culture, returning 26 artefacts which were stolen by French officials in the 19th century.
Although campaigners welcome the decision, they argue other stolen artefacts around the world should be returned to their ancestral homelands to address their colonial history.
Featured image courtesy of Archie via Flickr. Image license found here. No edits were made to this image.
alanya
Alanya is a Journalism student at Cardiff University and Spotlight section editor at Quench Magazine.