The Netherlands joins the global movement in Benin Bronzes repatriation, returning 119 treasures to Nigeria. Here is why this is a major victory in cultural restitution and colonial redress.
BY KAZEEM ADELEKE, ARTCENTRON
The Dutch government’s recent decision to return 119 Benin Bronzes to Nigeria marks a monumental moment in the ongoing conversation about cultural restitution. This act of repatriation, which took place at a ceremonial event at the Wereldmuseum in Leiden in February 2025, sees the Netherlands joining a growing list of nations that have chosen to return these priceless artifacts to their rightful home. The Benin Bronzes are a collection of brass, bronze, ivory, and other precious objects. They were looted from the Kingdom of Benin during a British military expedition in 1897 and have long been a symbol of colonial exploitation. For decades, there has been a global struggle for the restitution of cultural heritage.
The Benin Bronzes: A Legacy of Cultural Theft
These Benin Bronzes are a collection of artifacts taken from the Kingdom of Benin (now part of modern-day Nigeria) during the British Punitive Expedition of 1897. These masterpieces include sculptures, plaques, pendants, tusks, and an ivory mask, among other objects. They are one of the most significant examples of African art. The pieces showcase the craftsmanship and rich history of the Benin people.
The looting of the Benin Bronzes is a painful chapter in the history of cultural theft, with thousands of objects dispersed across museums, private collections, and institutions worldwide. The Benin Bronzes have, for over a century, been a focal point in the debate over the restitution of cultural artifacts to their countries of origin. For Nigeria, the return of these works is not only a matter of reclaiming stolen treasures but also of healing historical wounds inflicted by colonial exploitation.
The Dutch Government’s Historic Decision
In February 2025, the Dutch government made a landmark decision to return 119 Benin Bronzes to Nigeria. This move follows years of diplomatic negotiations and public pressure from advocacy groups. The objects are part of the collection held by the Netherlands since the colonial period. While 113 pieces reside in the Dutch state collection and six are in the possession of the municipality of Rotterdam.
During a ceremony at the Wereldmuseum in Leiden, the ownership of these artifacts was officially transferred to Nigeria. Dutch Minister of Culture Eppo Bruins emphasized the importance of this gesture. “With this return, we are contributing to the redress of a historical injustice that is still felt today,” he said. Bruins highlighted the essential role that heritage plays in shaping the identity and history of a nation. According to him, the Benin Bronzes are integral to Nigeria’s cultural heritage and national narrative.
The Role of Museums in Cultural Repatriation
The Wereldmuseum in Leiden, where the repatriation ceremony took place, has been a focal point for the Benin Bronzes in the Netherlands. Many of the objects were in storage for several years, with about fifty pieces remaining on display in the museum until March 9, 2025. After this date, the artifacts will return to Nigeria, where they will be on display in museums and cultural institutions.
One of the most significant developments in the Benin Bronzes repatriation saga is the construction of the Edo Museum of West African Art in Benin City, Nigeria. Designed by famous architect David Adjaye, the museum is set to open in 2026. It will provide a permanent home for many of the returned Benin Bronzes. The museum aims to showcase the rich cultural history of the Benin Kingdom. In addition, it will provide a space for future generations to engage with their heritage.
Global Repatriation Efforts: A Growing Movement
The return of the Benin Bronzes to Nigeria by the Netherlands is part of a broader, global trend of repatriating looted cultural treasures. Other countries, including Germany, Ireland, Scotland, and the United States, have already returned Benin Bronzes to Nigeria. Their effort marks significant progress in the ongoing campaign for the return of stolen cultural artifacts.
Germany, in particular, has been at the forefront of repatriation efforts, returning over 1,000 Benin Bronzes in recent years. Ireland and Scotland have also taken steps to return individual pieces of the Benin Bronzes. The United States has also handed back several pieces to Nigeria. These decisions to return artifacts are part of a broader effort to address the legacy of colonialism and cultural theft.
Despite these significant strides, the British Museum remains a key player in the ongoing discussion about the return of the Benin Bronzes. The museum holds over 900 pieces of the Benin Bronzes, many of them looted during the 1897 British expedition. For years, there has been mounting pressure on the British Museum to return these objects to Nigeria. However, the museum has faced significant resistance, with the British government blocking efforts to repatriate the Benin Bronzes.
The Impact of Repatriation on Nigeria’s Cultural Identity
The return of the Benin Bronzes to Nigeria is more than reclaiming stolen artifacts. It is also an act of restoring cultural identity. For Nigeria, the Benin Bronzes are not just valuable objects; they are part of the nation’s collective memory and history. The Benin Bronzes represent a link to the Benin Kingdom’s centuries-old tradition of craftsmanship, governance, and artistic achievement.
The Benin Bronzes exude the Benin people’s sense of pride and identity. By returning these treasures, the Netherlands and other countries are acknowledging the importance of these objects in the cultural life of the Benin community. This repatriation is an important step toward healing the wounds of colonialism and recognizing the cultural contributions of African societies.
The Future of the Benin Bronzes
As more countries join the global movement to repatriate the Benin Bronzes, the conversation about cultural restitution is only just beginning. The return of these objects highlights the need for greater cooperation between museums, governments, and cultural institutions worldwide to address the legacy of colonialism and the theft of cultural heritage.
For Nigeria, the Benin Bronzes will be in the Edo Museum of West African Art. There, they will be on display for generations to come. This museum will serve as a center for the study, preservation, and celebration of the Benin Bronzes. It will provide an important opportunity for Nigeria to reclaim its history and cultural heritage.
Benin Bronzes Repatriation: The Long-Awaited Homecoming
The repatriation of the Benin Bronzes is a historic event. It highlights the growing movement for the return of stolen cultural artifacts to their rightful owners. The Dutch government’s decision to return 119 pieces to Nigeria is a significant step toward healing the wounds of the past. Additionally, it is a giant stride toward restoring the cultural heritage of the Benin Kingdom. As more countries follow suit, the Benin Bronzes will soon return home to their cultural context, where they belong. They will once again tell the stories of a proud and rich heritage.
- FEATURED IMAGE: A group of Benin Bronzes on display in the Wereldmuseum. From left: Worked elephant tusk, 1500–1891; Head of a prince (Oba), 1600–1750; Statue of a leopard, ca. 19th century; 19th Century Staff with “bird of prophecy,” before 1993. Photo: Boudewijn Bollmann/Wereldmuseum Leiden
