After a decades-long repatriation campaign, Nigeria has received 119
Benin bronzes from the Netherlands. It is one of
the largest restitutions of colonial era artifacts since British forces
looted the treasures from Benin City in 1897. The
bronzes were created by skilled artisans of the Benin Kingdom
between the 13th and 18th centuries and are considered among
Africa's greatest artistic achievements. Michel Dilan is the consul
general of the Netherlands in Lagos. We have a
policy on stolen colonial era. If it's very clear
that objects are stolen, taken under distress, then
obviously we will return them to the rightful owner.
The National Museum in Lagos will house 4 of the
returned pieces, while the remainder will be stored at
the new Oba Ovon Rammwen storage facility at the National
Museum in Benin City. An official handover ceremony will
be held on June 21 at the National Museum in 00:01:02.548 --> Lagos.