3. Benin Bronzes
The Benin Bronzes are a group of plaques and sculptures that decorated the royal palace of Benin City, in present-day Nigeria. During the British punitive expedition of 1897, British forces looted thousands of these artifacts, including over 900 brass relief plaques, and transported them to Britain. These artworks hold immense cultural and historical significance for the Edo people. In recent years, restitution campaigns have intensified, leading to the return of numerous Benin Bronzes from institutions worldwide. In 2022, the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African Art returned 29 bronzes to Nigeria, marking a significant step in the repatriation process. Similarly, in 2025, the Netherlands returned 119 Benin Bronzes to Nigeria, further acknowledging the importance of these artifacts to their rightful owners. Despite these efforts, the British Museum continues to house a substantial collection of Benin Bronzes, with ongoing debates surrounding their repatriation (britishmuseum.org).
