Germany Moves to Restitute Benin Bronzes to Nigeria, Increasing Pressure on British Museum
Germany is preparing to return the Benin Bronzes to Nigeria, awaiting the green light from the Board of Trustees of the Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation. This decision follows talks between Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki and Andreas Görgen. The artifacts, crafted by the Edo people in the thirteenth century, were taken during the British Benin Expedition of 1897. Originally meant for exhibition at Berlin's Humboldt Forum, this has faced delays. Nigeria intends to display them at the Benin Institute, designed by David Adjaye. Furthermore, Germany's initiative includes training for Nigerian museum personnel and providing archaeological assistance. This development intensifies scrutiny on the British Museum, which possesses numerous Benin Bronzes and has been reluctant to address restitution requests.
Key facts
- Germany is likely to return Benin Bronzes to Nigeria
- Approval needed from Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation Board of Trustees
- Artifacts created by Edo people from 13th century onward
- Majority looted by British in 1897 Benin Expedition
- Germany purchased stolen artifacts along with other European countries
- Nigeria planning Benin Institute museum designed by David Adjaye
- Germany to provide training and expertise for Nigerian museum operations
- British Museum resists restitution, citing no formal request
Entities
Artists
- David Adjaye
Institutions
- Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation
- Foreign Ministry
- Humboldt Forum
- Berlin State Museums
- British Museum
- Benin Dialogue Group
- Benin Institute
- Nigerian Observer
Locations
- Germany
- Nigeria
- Benin City
- Edo State
- Berlin
- Museum Island
- London
- Austria
- Netherlands
- Sweden
- Greece