The return of stolen artifacts from the continent has been previously highlighted throughout this blog. And today, I came across some more good news.

According to Africa News, Germany and Nigeria will start an agreement to return Benin Bronzes taken from the Kingdom of Benin in 1897. A British colonial expedition stole the bronzes and other treasures from the royal palace, now known as southwestern Nigeria.

The Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation began the formal negotiations to return pieces that are in Berlin museums—many dating back to the 16th – 18th centuries. However, the Foundation stated that it expects to keep some of the Bronzes on loan from Nigeria.

The memorandum is set to be signed by German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, Culture Minister Claudia Roth, Nigeria’s Culture Minister Lai Mohammed, and the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Zubairo Dada.

My only question is, why will the Foundation keep some of the Bronzes?

More research is needed, so I’ll keep you all updated with any new findings.

Until Next Time…

(Sources)

Photo Credit: LOOP

Germany, Nigeria to sign accord on return of Benin Bronzes. Africa News. (2022, July 1). Retrieved July 8, 2022, from https://www.africanews.com/2022/07/01/germany-nigeria-to-sign-accord-on-return-of-benin-bronzes//