The Netherlands has announced plans to return 119 Benin Bronzes that were looted from Nigeria in the late 19th century by British troops. These culturally significant artefacts, which ended up in Dutch museums, are part of thousands stolen during the brutal invasion and destruction of Benin City—now in Edo State, Nigeria—in 1897.
For decades, many of these sculptures, carvings, and other historical pieces have been displayed in museums, including the Wereldmuseum in the Netherlands. However, following growing global calls for restitution, the Dutch government has now committed to repatriating the artefacts, making it one of the most significant returns of Benin antiquities to date.
Olugbile Holloway, Director-General of Nigeria’s National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), described the move as the “largest repatriation of Benin antiquities” and expressed hope that it would serve as an example for other nations still holding similar treasures.
Despite being commonly referred to as “bronzes,” the collection includes various artistic pieces crafted between the 15th and 19th centuries. Among them are sculptures of Benin’s rulers, ivory masks, figurines, and carved tusks—each carrying deep historical and spiritual meaning for the Edo people.
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A formal transfer agreement is set to be signed on Wednesday, finalizing the process of returning the artefacts to Nigeria. Dutch Minister of Culture, Education, and Science, Eppo Bruins, emphasized the importance of this decision, stating that it contributes to addressing the historical injustices inflicted on the Benin Kingdom and its descendants.
The move follows a similar step taken by Germany in 2022, when it returned over 20 Benin Bronzes as part of efforts to acknowledge and reconcile its colonial past.
The return of these artefacts may intensify pressure on other institutions—particularly the British Museum, which houses over 900 Benin Bronzes—to follow suit. While calls for restitution have been met with protests and advocacy campaigns, the British Museum remains restricted by an act of parliament that prevents it from returning items in its collection.
Despite these legal hurdles, Nigeria continues to push for the return of its stolen heritage. The NCMM has filed formal repatriation requests with museums worldwide, aiming to recover significant pieces that represent the cultural and artistic legacy of the ancient Benin Kingdom.
As part of Nigeria’s broader efforts to reclaim and preserve its heritage, the country plans to establish the Edo Museum of West African Art in Benin City by 2026. Designed by British-Ghanaian architect Sir David Adjaye, the museum is expected to house the largest collection of Benin Bronzes ever assembled in one place, offering a fitting home for the long-lost treasures.
