The Horniman Museum in London has consented to give ownership of a stolen collection of priceless artifacts, including the Benin Bronzes, to Nigeria.
It is “moral and proper,” according to the Horniman Museum, to transfer ownership of the 72 seized items—among which are 12 bronze plaques known as Benin Bronzes—to the Nigerian government.
South-east London’s Horniman Museum and Gardens, whose trustees are led by Eve Salomon, said:
‘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.’
72 priceless artifacts from a looted collection will be returned to Nigeria by the Horniman Museum in London.
Among the pieces are a brass cockerel altar piece, ivory and brass ritual objects, brass bells, and many more.
British soldiers captured the artifacts from Benin City in Nigeria in February 1897. The artefacts were requested to be returned in January by Nigeria’s national commission for museums and monuments (NCMM).
The Horniman then conducted in-depth research and made contact with locals, tourists, students, professors, heritage experts, and artists based in Nigeria and the UK, according to Mail Online.
The Charity Commission, which oversees the charitable sector, approved the Horniman trustees’ decision to restore ownership of the collection on August 5.
The official transfer of ownership and the prospect of keeping some items on loan for exhibition, study, and instruction are topics of discussion with NCMM.
Professor Abba Tijani, the general director of NCMM, remarked:
‘We very much welcome this decision by the trustees of the Horniman Museum and Gardens.
‘Following the endorsement by the Charity Commission, we look forward to a productive discussion on loan agreements and collaborations between the national commission for museums and monuments and the Horniman.’
