Benin Bronze Plaque 'Warrior and Attendants' at Met Raises Repatriation Questions

At the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, there's a fascinating brass plaque from the 16th-17th century called 'Warrior and Attendants', which hails from the Kingdom of Benin. It once decorated the Royal Palace in Benin City, Nigeria, showcasing a warrior chief flanked by two officers and four attendants, all intricately carved in high relief. The chief stands out with coral beads and leopard-tooth necklaces that symbolize his authority, while the officers hold ceremonial shields and spears. The attendants are depicted with a fan, trumpet, and kola nuts. Crafted by an unnamed Edo artist, the plaque measures 18 ¾ inches high, 15 inches wide, and 4 ¼ inches deep. Advocates for repatriation argue it should return to Nigeria, as a reflection of colonial looting from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The Kingdom of Benin was a prominent West African state from the 13th century until 1897, known for its trade in various goods, including black pepper and textiles. This piece is a stunning example of African culture and artistry.