By Rosemary Etim Bassey
The University of Cambridge has officially returned 116 Benin Bronzes to Nigeria. These treasures were taken from Benin City by British forces in 1897.
Most of the bronzes, which date back to the 13th century, will be sent to Nigeria soon. Seventeen will stay in Cambridge’s museum on loan.
The return comes after years of talks between the university and Nigerian officials. Some delays happened because of disagreements over who should manage the Bronzes. Now, Nigeria’s National Commission for Museums and Monuments will take care of them on behalf of the Oba of Benin.
Professor Nicholas Thomas of Cambridge said the return is part of a larger effort to give back objects taken during colonial times. Olugbile Holloway, Director General of Nigeria’s National Commission for Museums and Monuments, said returning the Bronzes also restores pride and dignity to Nigeria.
This move follows Jesus College, which returned a Benin Bronze cockerel in 2021, becoming the first British institution to do so.