The Netherlands has announced that it will return more than 100 “Benin Bronzes” to Nigeria.
These ancient sculptures were stolen by British soldiers in 1897 from the Kingdom of Benin, which is now part of modern-day Nigeria.
The historical artifacts, including depictions of royal figures and animals, were taken during a raid and later sold. They have been on display at the Wereldmuseum (World Museum) in Leiden, Netherlands.
Dutch Culture, Education, and Science Minister, Eppo Bruins, said, “With this return, we are contributing to the redress of a historical injustice that is still felt today.”
This move is seen as an effort to correct the wrongs of the past and restore cultural heritage to its rightful owners.
The 113 pieces being returned are the largest collection of Benin Bronzes to be sent back to Nigeria from the 1897 raid. Olugbile Holloway, Director General of the Nigerian National Commission for Museums and Monuments, expressed hope that other countries would follow this example.
“We hope that this will be a good example for other countries worldwide,” Holloway said.
In 2022, Germany also began returning some of its collections of Benin Bronzes to Nigeria. However, the British Museum in London has not returned any of its Benin Bronzes. A law passed in 1963 prevents the British Museum from giving back the treasures.
The return of the artifacts is expected to strengthen cultural ties between Nigeria and the Netherlands while promoting the preservation of African heritage.
