US Museum Returns Two Benin Bronzes to Nigeria
The Museum of Fine Arts in Boston has returned two Benin Bronzes to Nigeria. These historic works were originally taken from the royal palace in Benin City by British forces in 1897 and are considered priceless symbols of Nigeria’s cultural heritage. Olugbile Holloway, head of Nigeria’s National Commission for Museums and Monuments, described the return as a significant moment for both Benin and Nigeria’s struggle to recover its history. The Benin Bronzes are part of a larger collection of hundreds of artifacts scattered around the world, with many still missing. Museums across Europe and the United States have started returning some items in recent years, but negotiations continue for the recovery of more cultural treasures. Nigeria’s culture minister welcomed the move and assured that talks to return all such artifacts would continue. Discussions are underway about where in Nigeria the […]