Returning the Benin Bronzes

Summary

The video discusses the history and significance of the Benin Bronzes, artefacts from the Kingdom of Benin, now part of southern Nigeria. These bronzes represent the divine leaders, the Oba and Queen Mother, and demonstrate exceptional artistic and technical achievements. Following the British-led Punitive Expedition in 1897, many of these artefacts were looted and sold to European museums. The University of Cambridge's Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology holds some of these items, and after years of discussions, the Benin Bronzes are being returned to Benin City. This collaboration between Nigerian authorities and European museums aims to reset relationships and provide new educational opportunities through the artefacts' return.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Benin Bronzes are a significant cultural heritage from the Kingdom of Benin, representing royal figures such as the Oba and Queen Mother.
• 😀 These bronzes were part of royal shrines in Benin City and were used to honor ancestors and portray the kingdom's history and social life.
• 😀 The bronzes are not only historically valuable but are also exceptional examples of brass casting and artistic craftsmanship.
• 😀 In 1897, the British-led Punitive Expedition looted Benin City, stealing thousands of artefacts, including the Benin Bronzes.
• 😀 The looted artefacts were sold to museums across Europe, including Cambridge, where they are part of various collections.
• 😀 Some Benin Bronzes came to Cambridge through donations from families of participants in the Benin Expedition, while others were purchased from dealers.
• 😀 The Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology in Cambridge holds about 470 objects from Benin City, with 116 believed to have been taken during the 1897 military action.
• 😀 Cambridge's Museum has been implementing policies on repatriation for decades, with a renewed focus on these issues due to growing public interest.
• 😀 In March 2017, the Benin Dialogue Group's meeting reignited discussions about returning the artefacts to Nigeria, with positive momentum for collaboration.
• 😀 The return of the artefacts has led to a more collaborative effort between European museums, the Benin Court, the Nigerian government, and communities, paving the way for the artefacts’ repatriation.

Q & A

What are the Benin Bronzes, and what do they represent?

The Benin Bronzes are a group of cultural artefacts from the Kingdom of Benin, present-day Edo State in Southern Nigeria. They include commemorative portrait heads that represent the Oba (Divine King) and the Queen Mother. These objects were part of royal shrines dedicated to ancestors and reflect the history, cultural, and social life of the Kingdom of Benin.

What is the historical significance of the Benin Bronzes?

The Benin Bronzes are of exceptional artistic value and demonstrate extraordinary technical skills in brass casting. They also provide a detailed materialization of the Kingdom's history and culture, marking them as significant both artistically and historically.

What event in 1897 led to the looting of the Benin Bronzes?

In February 1897, the British-led Punitive Expedition sacked Benin City and its royal palace. During this violent military action, thousands of artefacts, including the Benin Bronzes, were looted and taken to England.

How did the Benin Bronzes end up in European museums?

After the looting in 1897, the artefacts were sold to various museums and collectors. Some were donated by participants in the Benin Expedition, while others were purchased from dealers such as J.C. Stevens of London and William Downing Webster, who sold large quantities of Benin artefacts to museums across Europe.

How many Benin artefacts are housed at the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology?

The Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology cares for approximately 470 objects from Benin City, although the majority of these were collected later in the 20th century.

What has been the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology's stance on repatriating artefacts?

The Museum has had policies in place for decades regarding the repatriation of artefacts. In recent years, they have revisited these policies to ensure they are appropriate for the 21st century, particularly in response to public interest and requests for the return of cultural objects.

What is the Benin Dialogue Group, and what role has it played in the repatriation process?

The Benin Dialogue Group is a collaborative platform involving European museums, the Benin Court, the Nigerian government, and other stakeholders. It aims to foster dialogue and cooperation on the return of looted artefacts. Their meetings, including a landmark meeting in March 2017, have played a significant role in advancing the repatriation process.

What major step was taken in 2022 regarding the repatriation of Benin artefacts?

In January 2022, a submission related to the return of Benin artefacts was received by the University of Cambridge, which was then carefully considered and approved by the University's Council. This marks a significant step toward the repatriation of these cultural objects.

How are the Benin artefacts currently used in Cambridge’s educational programs?

The Benin artefacts are integral to the museum's educational offerings, particularly for schools and community groups. They form a central part of the museum's work in widening participation, helping people engage with the history and culture of Benin.

What are the future plans for displaying the Benin artefacts?

Some Benin artefacts from the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology will be displayed in the 2023 exhibition on the 'Legacies of Enslavement' at the Fitzwilliam Museum. There is also a wider recognition in the museum sector that these artefacts should return to Benin City.