The Netherlands will return 113 looted Benin Bronzes to Nigeria, marking one of the largest repatriations of the historic artefacts stolen by British troops in 1897. The transfer agreement will be signed by Dutch and Nigerian officials, contributing to efforts to rectify colonial-era injustices and restore cultural heritage.
The Netherlands has announced plans to return 113 Benin Bronzes to Nigeria, marking one of the most significant repatriations of looted artefacts. These historic pieces were taken by British troops during the 1897 invasion of the Kingdom of Benin and later sold to European museums, including the Wereldmuseum in Leiden.
The decision follows a formal request from the Nigerian government, with Dutch officials acknowledging the historical injustice tied to the artefacts. Eppo Bruins, the Dutch Minister of Education, Culture, and Science, stated that the return is part of efforts to address colonial-era wrongs. A transfer agreement will be signed by Bruins and Olugbile Holloway, Director General of Nigeria’s National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM).
This move aligns with similar actions taken by Germany, the United States, and the United Kingdom, though the British Museum has yet to release its collection, citing legal restrictions. The returned artifacts, which include sculptures of royal figures and symbolic animals, hold deep cultural and historical significance for Nigeria.
Holloway expressed appreciation for the Netherlands’ commitment to restitution and emphasized that the return of these bronzes would enhance Nigeria’s cultural heritage preservation efforts. While many looted artefacts remain in Western museums, Nigeria continues to push for their return, seeing it as a step toward correcting the injustices of colonial plunder.
The Benin Bronzes are expected to be officially handed over in a ceremony, reinforcing ongoing efforts to reclaim stolen African heritage.
