The looted bronzes from Benin will be returned to Nigeria by the University of Cambridge. Approval for the restitution of 116 artefacts was given by the Charity Commission.
The 116 artefacts were taken by British forces during the siege of Benin City in 1897. They are mostly made of brass, although there are also some items made of ivory and wood.
Thousands of brass sculptures and other works, collectively known as the “Benin bronzes,” were captured during the raid by the British, who also burned down the city’s palace and exiled Benin’s Oba, or ruler, in order to raise money for the military expedition.
The claims for the recovery of the artefacts, which are thought to be of great aesthetic quality and significance, date back to the middle of the 20th century. They eventually wound up in museums in the UK, Europe, and the US.
In order to ensure that this West African civilization continues to be represented in the museum’s exhibits, some artefacts will remain in Cambridge on extended loan.
The university supported a formal claim from Nigeria’s National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) for the return of the items earlier this year.
A university spokeswoman said on Wednesday: “The Charity Commission has considered and approved the return of 116 historical objects, often referred to as the Benin bronzes, from the University of Cambridge’s Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology to the National Commission of Museums and Monuments (NCMM) of Nigeria.
“The University is now working with the Commission to finalise next steps regarding these Benin bronzes, and we will communicate these in due course.
“Some artefacts will remain in Cambridge on extended loan, ensuring that this West African civilisation continues to be represented in the museum’s displays, and in teaching for school groups.
“Those that return physically will be transferred to the National Commission for Museums and Monuments, as is required legally by the Republic of Nigeria, and an approach formally supported by the Oba of Benin.”
Last month, the Horniman Museum, in south London, returned looted Benin bronzes to Nigeria, while the Wellcome Collection closed its Medicine Man gallery because it “perpetuates a version of medical history that is based on racist, sexist and ableist theories and language”.
However, Downing Street has said there were no plans to change the law which prevents the British Museum handing the Elgin Marbles, also known as the Parthenon Marbles, back to Greece.
