Nigeria is expected to receive over 100 Benin Bronze artifacts that were stolen during British imperialism, in an effort to redress the colonialism that robbed the country of much of its cultural history. The Netherlands, where many of the items remain, is returning hundreds of the artifacts directly, including plaques and personal ornaments.
This is just one step in repatriating items that were taken over 130 years ago, when Britain stole traditional African lands which included art that was later passed on to the Netherlands. The recent decision was confirmed by Epps Bruins, the Dutch minister of education, culture, and science.
When Nigerian government officials requested the items be returned, the Dutch government quickly responded. According to Epps Bruins, “This restitution contributes to redressing a historical injustice that is still being felt today.”
Nigeria regains cultural collections as others wait
This is not the first time that stolen artifacts from African countries have been returned following a growing movement to promote repatriation of stolen items. The Netherlands is also in talks with Sri Lanka and India to return other historically relevant items originally found in those countries.
Across Europe, some artwork and artifacts belonging to Jewish families that were forced out of their home countries due to religious persecution have been returned. However, some lawsuits have continued for decades over the fates of such items.
But the Netherlands was eager to return Nigeria’s culturally relevant artwork and historical items. Included in the repatriation items are a bell, relief plaques, a coconut casing, and a staff.
According to Bruins, “Cultural heritage is essential for telling and living the history of a country and a community. The Benin Bronzes are indispensable to Nigeria. It is good that they are going back.”
Britain refuses to return Benin Bronze artifacts to Nigeria
Nigeria, a country with 230 million citizens, is the most populous country in Africa. It is home to over 250 ethnic groups that speak over 500 different languages.
The Benin Bronzes are particularly integral to Nigerian culture. Most were created in the 15th and 16th century, and decorated the palace of what is now Edo, Nigeria.
In 1897, British imperialists set their sights on Nigeria, in order to further consolidate the country’s colonial reach in Africa. However, some historians argue that the Benin expedition was in retaliation for an attack against British sailors earlier that year.
The stolen art was scattered throughout British museums, with some landing in other parts of Europe. While most of the artifacts were meticulously preserved, they have been away from their home land for over 100 years.
Meanwhile, the British Museum still has nearly 1,000 Nigerian artifacts and has refused to return them.
However, this does not stop Nigerians from celebrating the return of many of their cultural artifacts, including statues celebrating historical Nigerian officials.
Edo Museum coming to Benin City
According to Olugbile Holloway, director-general of Nigeria’s National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), this is the largest return of antiquities for Nigeria thus far.
Yet Nigeria will continue to request other countries return its artifacts as well. In fact, Nigerian officials have issued formal repatriation requests across the globe.
In 2026, Nigeria plans to open the Edo Museum of West African Art in Benin City. The museum will house a majority of the Benin Bronzes returned by the Netherlands.
Related Stories:
- Germany to return Benin Bronzes it plundered in 1897 back to Nigeria
- British Culture Secretary believes stolen Benin Bronzes from Nigeria “properly reside” in British Museum
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