Museum of London returns 72 items stolen from Nigeria in the 19th century | Globalism

The Horniman Museum said ownership of the 72 objects would be transferred to the Nigerian government.

Items include 12 bronze plaques known as the Benin Bronze, a bronze rooster and a key to the king’s palace.

The decision was made at the request of the National Committee for Museums and Antiquities Nigeria (NCMM), Made in Jan.

The Museum in the Southeast LondonHe says he has consulted with community members, visitors, schoolchildren, academics, heritage professionals and artists on the basis of Nigeria And in the United Kingdom.

The museum explained that “all of its views on the future of the artifacts in Benin have been considered, along with the source of the artifacts.”

The museum chief said it was “moral and right” to bring them back.

In recent years, political pressure has increased on European governments and museums to return looted artifacts – including ivory carvings and metal sculptures known as the Benin Bronze.

“It is very clear that these items were obtained by force, and the outside consultation has reinforced our view that it is ethical and appropriate to return your property to Nigeriasaid Yves Salomon, head of the museum.

“The Hornimann Museum is pleased to be able to take this step and we look forward to working with NCMM to ensure long-term care for these precious artifacts.”

Only the items in Horniman’s set are Some of the artifacts returned to Nigeria in recent months from museums in Western countries.

Last month, Jesus College, Cambridge (England) and the University of Aberdeen (Scotland) returned a sculpture of a rooster and another of the head of an oba (king).

German authorities have also returned more than 1,100 artifacts to the West African country.

NCMM says that some of the priceless sculptures will be stored in the Benin National Museum once it is expanded and others will be stored in the Lagos Museum.