Culture/ History: Boston Museum repatriates two Benin bronzes to Nigeria
The Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) in Boston has returned two renowned Benin Bronzes to Nigeria, as confirmed by Nigerian authorities late Monday. This act is the latest in a growing global movement to restore cultural artifacts looted during the colonial era.
The repatriated items are part of a collection of hundreds of sculptures and plaques forcibly taken from the royal palace of the Kingdom of Benin in 1897, when British forces captured Benin City.
These invaluable works, dating back to the 16th century, were dispersed worldwide and now reside in museums and private collections.
Nigerian officials hailed the return. Olugbile Holloway, head of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments, stated it “represents the return of a significant part of Nigeria’s history.”
Hannatu Musa Musawa, Nigeria’s Minister of Culture, described it as a “historic moment” and indicated that ongoing negotiations aim to secure the return of all such objects to their “legitimate owners.”
However, the restitution process is complex. A dispute exists within Nigeria over the final custody of the bronzes.
The Oba, the traditional ruler of Benin, claims the artifacts belong to him as the descendant of the royal family whose palace was plundered.
This has raised concerns in Benin City that the objects may not be housed there, though officials from the new Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) have denied such intentions.
