Originally cast in what’s now southwest Nigeria, the Benin Bronzes have been languishing in around 150 museums in Europe and the US for almost 125 years.
Increasingly, however, heritage experts are calling for them to be returned. With London’s Horniman Museum having announced in August that it will return its 72 bronzes to Nigeria, calls for further repatriations are set to grow.
Come 2026, these treasures will have a permanent home in Benin City’s new Edo Museum of West African Art (EMOWAA). It will house the most comprehensive display of Benin Bronzes ever assembled. In the meantime, some of the Horniman bronzes will be transferred to Benin City National Museum, allowing local people to see them for the first time.
What are the Benin Bronzes and why are they in London?
The 5,000 or so artefacts known as the Benin Bronzes, which were mostly created between the 13th and 16th centuries, didn’t originate from present-day Benin but the former Kingdom of Benin, nearby. They were looted by British troops during an invasion of Benin City, the kingdom’s capital, in 1897. They stripped Benin City of thousands of antiquities, with many ending up in museums around the world, including the Horniman.
This story is from the November 2022 edition of National Geographic Traveller (UK).
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the November 2022 edition of National Geographic Traveller (UK).
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
The craftspeople of Sarawak
From ancient pottery to embroidery fit for Miss World, meet the producers championing traditional artisanal creations in Malaysia's island region.
ALTERNATIVE WINTER EXPERIENCES
From ice skating and cross-country skiing to snowy train rides and cosy cabins stays, there are many memorable ways to make the most of the European winter
GOLDEN YEARS
Join the celebrations century of statehood as the island marks half a with fireworks and parades
A TASTE OF The Philippines
A TRIO OF BIG, BOLD FLAVOURS DOMINATES THIS ARCHIPELAGO NATION'S UNIQUE CUISINE
WHERE TO STAY Helsinki
FINLAND'S CAPITAL HAS AN OFFBEAT SIDE THAT SHINES THROUGH IN ITS CREATIVE HOTEL SCENE
A YEAR OF ADVENTURE
Make 2024 one to remember with these epic trips, putting fairytale castles, cultural exchange and slow travel front and centre
Bear Grylls
THE TV PRESENTER AND FORMER SAS OFFICER ON RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL, COMFORT ZONES AND EXPLORING THE WORLD ON HIS DOORSTEP
BOSTON
In the 19th century, Boston was nicknamed 'The Hub of the Solar System' such was its importance at the heart of the young American nation.
BALI
Known for its beaches, jungles and colourful temples, the Indonesian island of Bali is also home to a vibrant and hugely varied offering of local dishes, from grilled octopus with starfruit to rich Padang-style curry
MANCHESTER
A spirit of rebellious creativity infuses the northern city, with old factories turned into artists' studios and a unique sense of style on display throughout
