The Benin Bronzes Returning to Nigeria

In light of the recent announcement by the National British Museum to return some Benin Bronzes to Nigeria. An online database has been created, called Digital Benin. This online platform highlights and catalogs the bronzes that are all over the world.

The known origin of the Benin Bronzes dates back to the 13th century. The sculptures are made from brass, ivory, copper alloy, wood, terracotta, iron, and coral beads, despite being known as bronzes. They were created in commemoration of the royalty of the Benin Kingdom. The sculptures incorporate memorial heads, ornamental cast plaques, human and animal figures, royal regalia and ornaments of the intended subject matter. These bronze sculptures created, were over 3000 in number. They were used to decorate the Oba’s (the name for the King of Benin) palace. Also to showcase the opulence of past Queen Mother’s and Oba’s, as well as to serve as history facts for the later generations. 

In the 18th century, the British invaded a certain part of West Africa. What is now, modern day Nigeria. The bronzes were looted from the Benin Kingdom. Over 900 pieces were taken from Benin City to Britain and the rest to other parts of the world. Currently, they are on display in various museums globally. As well as, part of personal private collections. 

In 2021, the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Information and Culture requested the ownership of the artifacts to be returned to the country from the National British museum. Earlier this year, the museum promised to send back the bronzes but is still in the process of doing so. 

A number of other establishments have returned the bronzes back to Nigeria. This year, the German government signed over ownership of 1,100 bronzes back to the Nigerian government. Germany is also involved in the construction of the Edo Museum of West African Art (EMOWAA). It is currently ongoing construction by museum architect, David Adjaye. This museum is dedicated to paying homage to West African culture and art from the history past to date. 

Additionally, the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art has returned 29 bronzes to Nigeria. “Not only was returning ownership of these magnificent artifacts to their rightful home the right thing to do, it also demonstrates how we all benefit from cultural institutions making ethical choices,” Ms Lonnie Bunch, Secretary of the Smithsonian, said.

A repatriation was also made from the Rhode Island School of Design Museum, another from National Gallery of Art.  In February of this year, the University of Aberdeen, Scotland returned two bronzes that were in their possession. London’s Horniman Museum announced the release of the 72 pieces they have in their possession to the Nigerian government. This is the first museum in England execute the necessary steps to return the artifacts to its place of origin.

The bronzes are of historical significance to Nigeria and the legacy of the Benin Kingdom.  Nigerian-American artist Victor Ehikhamenor describes the artifacts as, “story books for us [Nigerians]” with immense cultural value for future generations. They are important both as spiritual symbols for rituals that can now be re-established in the palace of the latter-day Oba of Benin, he says, and as “visual cues that we can use to tell our children about the kind of life our ancestors led”.