On Wednesday, the Netherlands announced it would return over 100 “Benin Bronzes” to Nigeria, which had been looted by British soldiers in the late 19th century and ended up in a Dutch museum. This decision followed a request from the Nigerian government.
The 113 bronzes represent the largest return of items from the 1897 raid, according to Olugbile Holloway, the Director-General of Nigeria’s National Commission for Museums and Monuments.
“As per Nigeria’s request, the Netherlands is returning 113 ‘Benin Bronzes’ from its National Collection. Minister Eppo Bruins (OCW) has decided to return them,” the statement said.
The transfer agreement will be signed on Wednesday by Dutch Minister of Education, Culture, and Science, Eppo Bruins, and Olugbile Holloway of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments.
Eppo Bruins emphasized, “With this return, we are helping to right a historical wrong that still resonates today.”
The Netherlands’ return follows similar actions by countries like Germany, the United States, and the UK.
The bronzes were taken by British soldiers during a 1897 raid on the Kingdom of Benin, located in modern-day Nigeria, and depict royal figures and animals. The items were later sold and displayed at the Wereldmuseum (World Museum) in Leiden.
However, the British Museum in London has refused to return any of its collection, citing a 1963 law that prevents the return of these treasures.
