Record number of returned Benin Bronzes is cheering news, but the authorities must tackle impediments to tourism
Nigeria’s efforts to regain possession of its looted artefacts in foreign lands yielded greater results as the Netherlands recently returned 119 Benin bronze works to the country’s cultural authorities. It was a huge and historic development.
The Minister of Culture, Arts, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, called it “the single largest physical repatriation of cultural property” in the country’s history.
The National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) received four of the artefacts at a handover ceremony in Lagos on June 21, while Oba Ewuare II of Benin had earlier received 115. The Director-General of NCMM, Olugbile Holloway, noted that there were many more stolen Benin objects abroad, and thanked the Netherlands for setting “such a beautiful example.” He stressed the significance of the occasion “for the pride and dignity of not just the Benin people, but the whole of Nigeria.”
Oba Ewuare II thanked the Federal Government “for ensuring that efforts are made to bring back our reputed Benin artefacts across the globe.” Dutch Ambassador for Cultural Cooperation Dei van de Weerd praised Nigeria for its “persistent advocacy for the return of the Benin Bronzes.” Indeed, both the local campaigners for the return of looted artefacts from overseas and the facilitators of the repatriation of such works deserve commendation.
The Dutch government had agreed to the transfer of 119 Benin Bronzes in February upon request from the Nigerian government. Most of the objects were part of the Dutch State Collection and were exhibited at the Wereldmuseum in Leiden. Four items will remain on display there on a loan agreement.
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The Benin Bronzes, made between the 15th and 19th centuries, include ornaments, jewellery and masks, many of which decorated the royal palace of the old Benin Kingdom, now part of Nigeria. A great number of these treasures were looted by British troops involved in a “punitive expedition” that resulted in the 1897 conquest of the kingdom. Following the killing of seven British officers by natives while on a trade mission to the kingdom, the British authorities reacted even more violently by setting the ancient city ablaze, killing thousands of natives and forcing their king into exile. This created a perfect situation for wild looting. Numerous artworks were plundered from the royal palace, including age-long Benin bronzes that demonstrated superlative artistry. A significant number of the stolen works have been domiciled at the British Museum in London ever since. This 19th century demonstration of the beastly aspects of humanity remains a haunting reminder of colonialism and its unflattering sins.
Most of the looted artefacts were eventually sold to over 130 museums in 20 countries, mainly in the United Kingdom and Germany. Today, museums in Britain, Germany and the U.S. hold a large number of looted bronze works created by the Edo people. Art historian Philip J. C. Dark, in his work titled, “Benin Bronze Heads: Styles and Chronology,” said that about 6, 500 Benin artefacts could be found in an estimated 77 places across the world. Of this number, the British Museum is believed to be in possession of over 900, while the Ethnology Museum in Berlin, which historically held over 500, has transferred ownership of its collection to Nigeria, with some pieces remaining on loan.
Notably, in July 2022, the country signed a repatriation agreement with Germany for the return of 1,130 Benin Bronzes. This resulted in the return of 20 of them in December 2022. The country also sent a repatriation request to the British Museum in October 2021.
It is a testimony to the artistic advancement of the Edo people that when colonialists encountered their works, they were reportedly amazed that such treasures could be created by people they arrogantly regarded as ‘primitive.’ It is a credit to the ancient Benin civilisation that its bronze works remain among the most celebrated African artworks.
The latest repatriation of looted Benin artefacts raises the question of appropriate protection and preservation in their new home. Oba Ewuare II observed that “With the Federal Government of Nigeria Official Gazette of 28 March 2023 entrusting the ownership and custody of the artefacts on the Oba of Benin as a true owner and being the custodian of the cultural tradition, as well as the heritage of Benin Kingdom and its people, deliberate misinformation about the ownership of the artefacts has been put to rest.”
Based on this, the repatriated Benin Bronzes are expected to be housed in the planned Benin Royal Museum. However, the stage of the museum’s construction is unclear. This situation highlights a critical challenge and responsibility that comes with restitution.
The country’s cultural authorities must demonstrate readiness not only to repossess looted artefacts but also to ensure their safety and preservation. It is counter-productive if they receive such artefacts without proper preparation for adequate housing.
Failure to provide standard facilities for keeping the returned artefacts would ultimately undermine the tourism value of having them back in the country.
The country’s unresolved security crisis is another dimension that could work against the tourism possibilities connected with the returned artefacts. The authorities must tackle impediments to tourism to maximise the benefits of having the artefacts back home.
