ArtDependence | 113 Looted Benin Bronzes to be returned to Nigeria by The Netherlands

Wednesday, February 19, 2025

At Nigeria's request, the Netherlands is returning 113 "Benin Bronzes" from its national collection.

Minister Eppo Bruins (Culture and Science) has decided on the restitution of these artifacts, which were looted by British soldiers in 1897 from the Kingdom of Benin (now part of Nigeria). These objects were later sold and eventually ended up in Dutch museums. The Benin Bronzes hold significant historical and cultural value for Nigerian society, as they represent an essential part of the Kingdom of Benin’s history. The collection includes plaques, pendants, and figures currently housed at the Wereldmuseum. This restitution follows extensive collaboration between experts and representatives from both countries.

Minister Bruins stated, “With this restitution, we contribute to addressing a historical injustice that is still felt today. Cultural heritage is crucial for telling and experiencing a country’s history. The Benin Bronzes are indispensable to Nigeria, and it is right that they return home.”

The handover agreement will be signed on February 19 at the Wereldmuseum Leiden by Minister Bruins and Olugbile Holloway, Director-General of Nigeria’s National Commission for Museums and Monuments.

Holloway commented, “The return from the Netherlands will be the largest repatriation of Benin antiquities directly linked to the British punitive expedition of 1897. We thank the Netherlands for its cooperation and hope this sets a good example for other countries regarding the restitution of lost or looted artifacts.”

This decision follows the recommendation of the Colonial Collections Committee, chaired by Lilian Gonçalves-Ho Kang You. The objects will be returned to the Nigerian government, which will determine how and where they will be exhibited. The Wereldmuseum hopes this is not the end of the process but the beginning of further museum collaboration between Nigeria and the Netherlands.

Main Image: Head of a King, Oba Benin. Courtesy Wereldmuseum Rotterdam

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