Netherlands to return over 100 Benin bronzes looted from Nigeria

The Netherlands will return 119 Benin Bronzes looted by British troops in 1897, marking the largest repatriation of these artefacts.

The items, including figurines, tusks, sculptures, and an ivory mask, have been displayed in the Wereldmuseum for decades.

Nigeria’s National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) welcomed the move, hoping it sets a precedent for other nations.

Dutch Minister of Culture Eppo Bruins said the return aims to address historical injustices.

While Germany repatriated over 20 artefacts in 2022, the British Museum still holds 900 pieces but faces legal barriers to returning them.

Nigeria plans to house the returned bronzes at the Edo Museum of West African Art, set to open in 2026, designed by British-Ghanaian architect Sir David Adjaye.