The Netherlands has agreed to return 119 Benin Bronzes to Nigeria, acknowledging their looted status from the 1897 British expedition. This historic restitution underscores the countries’ collaborative relationship and comes after years of advocacy from Nigeria for the return of cultural heritage. The bronzes will be returned unconditionally and are set to arrive later this year.
The Dutch government has confirmed the return of 119 Benin Bronzes to Nigeria, prompted by a formal request from the Nigerian authorities. This agreement was finalized by the Dutch Minister of Education, Culture and Science and the Director General of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM). The bronzes are slated to arrive in Nigeria later this year, marking a significant moment in Dutch-Nigerian relations.
The Netherlands is returning the bronzes unconditionally, recognizing that these artifacts were taken during the British incursion into Benin City in 1897. This restitution is a meaningful acknowledgment of historical injustices and emphasizes cultural heritage as a vital component of national identity. Dutch Minister Eppo Bruins highlighted the importance of this return in addressing ongoing impacts of colonialism.
The restitution signifies the largest return of Benin antiquities associated with the 1897 punitive expedition. Dutch officials underscored their commitment to this historic return, reaffirming their collaborative ties with Nigeria. The Netherlands has engaged with Nigeria to ensure effective realization of this restitution effort.
The ambassador-designate of the Netherlands to Nigeria, Bengt van Loosdrecht, commended Nigeria’s persistent efforts for the recovery of colonial-era artifacts over the past five decades. This restitution reflects both nations’ dedication to a robust partnership and sets a precedent for future repatriations of looted cultural properties.
The Director General of NCMM, Olugbile Holloway, underscored the importance of this restitution, marking it as a notable milestone in cultural heritage repatriation. The Netherlands is also seeking to advance partnerships between its museums and Nigerian entities, furthering cooperation beyond this transaction.
This decision emerged after recommendations from an independent expert committee, aligning with Dutch policy on the restitution of colonial artifacts. Out of the 119 items, 113 were part of the Dutch State collection, while the remaining six were returned by the Municipality of Rotterdam, signaling a collective effort in addressing colonial legacies.
In summary, the Netherlands’ approval to return 119 Benin Bronzes to Nigeria is a significant step towards correcting historical injustices related to colonialism. This action emphasizes the importance of cultural heritage and signifies a growing commitment to international collaboration in repatriating stolen artifacts. Both nations’ ongoing partnership aims to foster cultural connections and set a blueprint for future restitutions.
Original Source: www.arise.tv
