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London’s Horniman Museum to return Benin bronzes to Nigeria

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horniman benin bronze

The museum will return 72 artefacts, including 12 Benin bronzes, to the Nigerian government.

The Horniman Museum and Gardens in London has agreed to transfer the ownership of its Benin bronzes, which were looted by the British during the Benin Expedition of 1897, to Nigeria.

The institution will return 72 artefacts, including 12 Benin bronzes, to the Nigerian government following a decision by the Horniman’s board of trustees.

The brass plaques were removed from Benin City during the British military incursion in 1897. Other objects to be returned include a brass cockerel altar piece and brass bells.

Nigeria’s National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) made a request for the objects in January. The Horniman will now discuss the process for the formal transfer of ownership with NCMM.

Abba Tijani, NCMM’s director-general, said the Nigerian government “very much” welcomes the Horniman’s decision.

“The evidence is very clear that these objects were acquired through force, and external consultation supported our view that it is both moral and appropriate to return their ownership to Nigeria,” said Eve Salomon, chair of the Horniman Museum.

“The Horniman is pleased to be able to take this step and we look forward to working with the NCMM to secure longer term care for these precious artefacts.”

Meanwhile, the German, Nigerian and British governments are collaborating on a project to build a hub of museums in Edo State to showcase returned Benin bronzes.

Horniman to return 72 artefacts to Nigeria

Opened in 1901, the Horniman Museum and Gardens has a collection of 350,000 objects, specimens and artefacts. It is home to natural history and anthropology galleries.

“The Horniman is the only museum in London where you can see nature and culture side-by-side at a global level,” Horniman director Nick Merriman told Blooloop in 2020.

Earlier this year, the Horniman Museum invited tenders for an architect-led design team for a major redevelopment of parts of its gardens and natural history gallery.

Images: Horniman Museum

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Bea Mitchell

Bea is a journalist specialising in entertainment, attractions and tech with 10 years' experience. She has written and edited for publications including CNET, BuzzFeed, Digital Spy, Evening Standard and BBC. Bea graduated from King's College London and has an MA in journalism.

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