By Kede Aihie
The Netherlands has announced plans to return over 100 Benin Bronzes looted by British troops from Nigeria in the late 19th century. The treasures, currently housed in the Wereldmuseum in the Netherlands, will be repatriated to Nigeria.
Thousands of culturally significant sculptures and carvings were stolen during the violent destruction of Benin City in 1897. The artefacts, created between the 15th and 19th centuries, include figurines, tusks, sculptures of Benin rulers, and an ivory mask.
According to Olugbile Holloway, Director-General of Nigeria’s National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), the return of the 119 artefacts marks the “largest repatriation of Benin antiquities.” A transfer agreement is set to be signed, with hopes that this move will set a positive precedent for other countries.
