The Netherlands will return 119 Benin bronzes looted during the 1897 British raid on Benin City to Nigeria. The Dutch embassy in Nigeria confirmed the artefacts should have never ended up in the Netherlands, but came short of full apology.
The number of artefacts to be returned is believed to be the single largest to Nigeria.
“This restitution contributes to redressing a historical injustice that is still being felt today,” said Eppo Bruin, Dutch Minister of Education, Culture, and Science, in a statement issued by the Dutch embassy in Abuja.
“Cultural heritage is essential for telling and living the history of a country and a community. The Benin Bronzes are indispensable to Nigeria. It is good that they are going back.“
Bengt van Loosdrech, ambassador-designate, said Nigeria has been clamoring for the return of the bronzes for over 50 years.
He said his government understood the importance of the return, recognizing the longstanding efforts by Nigeria.
Olugbile Holloway, Director-General of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), observed that the return of 119 objects from the Netherlands represents the single largest return of Benin antiquities directly linked to the 1897 British punitive expedition.
“We thank the Netherlands for their cooperation and hope this will set a good example for other nations of the world in terms of repatriation of lost or looted antiquities.”
The embassy said the bronzes could arrive in Nigeria later this year.
Rich History of Nigeria’s Bini Empire
The Bini Empire, once a powerful African civilization, is renowned for its exquisite bronzes and artworks. These artefacts, created by skilled artisans, showcase the empire’s rich cultural heritage. Many of these pieces were looted during the 1897 British raid and now reside in museums across the world.
This historic return marks a significant step in acknowledging and rectifying past injustices, ensuring the preservation of cultural heritage.
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