University of Cambridge returns 116 Benin Bronzes to Nigeria after 128 years, with Nigerian officials managing them on behalf of the Oba of Benin
No fewer than 116 Benin Bronzes have been returned to Nigeria from the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom, over a century after they were taken by British forces from Benin City in 1897.
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Most of the bronzes, dating back to the 13th century, will soon be sent to Nigeria, while seventeen will remain on loan at Cambridge’s museum.
The return followed lengthy negotiations with Nigerian officials over management of the artifacts.
It has been decided that Nigeria’s National Commission for Museums and Monuments will oversee the bronzes on behalf of the Oba of Benin.
Professor Nicholas Thomas of Cambridge described the handover as part of a broader effort to return objects taken during colonial times.
Director General of the Nigerian commission, Olugbile Holloway, said the move restores pride and dignity to the nation.
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This follows previous returns, including a Benin Bronze cockerel from Jesus College in 2021 and agreements by London’s Horniman Museum and Germany to return looted Benin Bronzes.
