The Digest:
Nigeria’s Ministry of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy has officially received two historic Benin Bronzes returned from the United States, marking a significant step in the ongoing global effort to restore the nation’s looted cultural heritage.
Key Points:
- The artifacts, a bronze plaque and commemorative head, were looted during the 1897 British invasion.
- They were formally handed over by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs after being returned by the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.
- Arts Minister Hannatu Musawa described the moment as historic for Nigeria and the Benin Kingdom.
- The handover was attended by high chiefs representing the Oba of Benin.
- Nigeria continues to negotiate with other international institutions for the return of more artifacts.
- The return follows a 2023 MoU between Nigeria and the US on cultural restitution.
- Over 2,000 Benin Bronzes were originally looted and dispersed globally.
Sources: Punch Newspapers, Vanguard
