The Municipality of Rotterdam will return 6 art objects to Nigeria. These artworks were looted by British troops at the end of the 19th century and spread around the world. The 6 objects, including a staff and a bell, were managed by the Wereldmuseum Rotterdam.
In addition to Rotterdam, the national government is also returning art objects to Nigeria. This involves 113 objects. On Wednesday, February 19, there was a joint transfer ceremony. Alderman Kasmi of culture officially signed for the return of the art, together with Minister Bruins of culture and Director-General Holloway of the Nigerian Commission for Museums and Monuments.
Bronzes from Benin
All the art objects belong to the Benin bronzes. These are items such as bronze masks and reliefs (3-dimensional images in, for example, stone or wood). Rotterdams collection includes a bell, a coconut holder, a staff, and three reliefs.
At the end of the 19th century, the English looted the art during their plundering of the royal palace of Benin. Benin was then a powerful kingdom; now it is part of Nigeria. Through Great Britain, the art objects ended up in museums around the world.
Restoration of Injustice
For many objects, provenance research has established that they are looted art. Nigeria has been asking for their return for years. In recent years, many other countries have already decided to return objects that were looted in Benin at the time. Such as the United States, Great Britain, and Germany.
Now the Dutch government and the Municipality of Rotterdam have also decided to return the art. The independent Colonial Collections Committee has advised on this. With the return, Rotterdam wants to contribute to restoring the injustice done to the original population of colonial areas.
Transfer
When the objects will be transferred is not yet entirely clear. The municipality has asked the Wereldmuseum to arrange and execute the transport and transfer of the objects. This will certainly be this year.