Nigeria received 119 stolen artifacts from the Netherlands on Thursday. The Dutch government handed over the treasures during a ceremony held in Edo State. These items came from the Wereld Museum in Leiden and represent part of the famous Benin Bronzes collection. British forces took these cultural objects during military raids more than a century ago. The returned pieces feature human figures, animal sculptures, ceremonial plaques, royal items and a bell.
European and North American museums have started giving back stolen colonial artifacts to their home countries. Nigeria's National Commission for Museums and Monuments asked for these specific items to be returned. Oba Ewuare II serves as the traditional ruler and protector of Benin culture. He called the return a miracle from above during the handover event. The monarch praised the effort as proof that prayer and hard work can succeed.
Marieke Van Bommel leads the Wereld Museum and stated that Holland wants to return artifacts that belong elsewhere. Olugbile Holloway directs the Nigerian commission and noted this delivery represents the biggest single return of stolen items. His agency continues working to recover more objects taken during colonial times. Nigeria asked museums around the world to return hundreds of stolen pieces during 2022. London museums gave back 72 items that same year and a Rhode Island museum returned 31 objects.
British troops under Sir Henry Rawson attacked the Benin kingdom during 1897. The military action forced ruler Ovonramwen Nogbaisi to leave his homeland for six months. The historic Benin kingdom existed where southern Nigeria stands today.
European and North American museums have started giving back stolen colonial artifacts to their home countries. Nigeria's National Commission for Museums and Monuments asked for these specific items to be returned. Oba Ewuare II serves as the traditional ruler and protector of Benin culture. He called the return a miracle from above during the handover event. The monarch praised the effort as proof that prayer and hard work can succeed.
Marieke Van Bommel leads the Wereld Museum and stated that Holland wants to return artifacts that belong elsewhere. Olugbile Holloway directs the Nigerian commission and noted this delivery represents the biggest single return of stolen items. His agency continues working to recover more objects taken during colonial times. Nigeria asked museums around the world to return hundreds of stolen pieces during 2022. London museums gave back 72 items that same year and a Rhode Island museum returned 31 objects.
British troops under Sir Henry Rawson attacked the Benin kingdom during 1897. The military action forced ruler Ovonramwen Nogbaisi to leave his homeland for six months. The historic Benin kingdom existed where southern Nigeria stands today.
