The Stanley Museum of Art, University of Iowa, has returned stolen artefacts to the Benin Kingdom, marking a milestone in efforts to repatriate looted cultural treasures.
The stolen artefacts included a wooden carved mother hen and a brass plaque, which the British took from the palace of the Oba of Benin during the 1897 Benin massacre.
Cory Gundlach, curator of African art at the Stanley Museum of Art, led the restitution effort and personally apologized to Omo N’oba N’edo Uku Akpolokpolo Ewuare II for their “unauthorized use of these artefacts in educational contexts”.
Accompanied by Peju Layiwola, a member of the Benin royal family and Mellon curatorial fellow at the museum, Gundlach emphasized the museum’s commitment to rectifying past wrongs.
The Oba expressed his deep gratitude to Gundlach, the museum, and everyone involved in the restitution process. He emphasized the profound cultural and spiritual significance of the returned artefacts, asserting that their value extends far beyond their physical form.
The Oba also acknowledged former President Muhammadu Buhari’s role in clarifying the ownership of artefacts through a recent gazette, which also facilitated the current restitution efforts.
The monarch called for continued support from political leaders to preserve the rich traditions and customs of the Benin Kingdom, further underscoring the importance of returning such culturally significant items to their rightful place.
