The Horniman Museum and Gardens of London agree to return 72 items dating back to the 19 century to the Nigerian government.
This followed a request of Nigeria’s national commission for museums and monuments (NCMM) that was submitted back in January 2022.
The museum consulted with community members, visitors, and academics based in Nigeria before taking the decision to return the items.
The 72 objects were forcibly removed from Benin City in southern Nigeria during the British military incursion in February 1897 according to the Horniman Museum.
Eve Salomon, chair of trustees of the museum stated that pieces of evidence prove that the objects were ‘clearly acquired through force’.
“The Horniman is pleased to be able to take this step ‘returning the items) and we look forward to working with the NCMM to secure longer-term care for these precious artifacts,” said Salomon in an official release on the museum’s website.
Abba Tijani, general director of the NCMM welcomes this decision to return the ownership of the art pieces to their rightful owner, adding that he looks forward to a productive discussion on loan agreements and collaborations between the NCMM and the Horniman Museums.
The items that will be returned are 12 brass plaques, publicly known as ‘Benin bronzes’, a brass cockerel altarpiece, ivory and brass ceremonial objects, brass bells, everyday items such as fans, and baskets, and lastly a key to a palace.
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