13. The Benin Bronzes, Nigeria/UK
The Benin Bronzes are a group of plaques and sculptures that decorated the Royal Palace of Benin, in present-day Nigeria. Created from the 13th century onwards, these artworks depict historical events, court life, and the kingdom’s rich heritage. In 1897, during a punitive expedition, British forces looted thousands of these artifacts, many of which are now housed in museums worldwide, including the British Museum. This removal has sparked ongoing debates over cultural patrimony and the ethics of colonial-era acquisitions (bbc.com).
