A London museum has agreed to return Nigeria artefacts looted in the 19th century from the kingdom of Benin. Ownership of 72 objects of the Horniman museum will be transferred to the Nigerian government. The items include 12 brass plaques, also known as Benin bronzes, a brass cockerel and a key to the king’s palace.
In January request was followed by Nigeria’s National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM); according to the museum in south east- London, it has consulted with community members, visitors, schoolchildren, academics, heritage professionals and artists based in Nigeria and The UK.
After consulting with visitors, students, artists and community members based in Nigeria and The UK, the museum explained that all of their future Benin objects were considered views, and it is moral and appropriate to return them.
Eve Salmon, The chair of the museum, said that evidence shows that these objects were acquired through force. External consultation supported their views and suggested that returning them is moral and appropriate. He also added that they are looking forward to working with The NCCM to secure longer-term care for these valuable and precious artefacts.
In 1897 British forces looted 10,000 during their raid on Benim. Mostly these artefacts are preserved in British Museums and private collections. Oxford and Cambridge University have also declared that 200 articles will be returned to Nigeria.
Recently Political pressure has increased on western countries to return the stolen artefacts from the Colonial age. NCCM has accepted the decision and stated that it looks forward to discussing the loan agreements and collaborations.
