A museum in London will be returning to Nigeria a total of 72 pieces of artifacts that were stolen from the country during the colonial period.
The Horniman Museum and Gardens will give back the items which include 12 sculptures of 12 brass plaques known as Benin Bronze, a Key to the king’s palace, ceremonial objects, brass bells, commonplace items from the time like fans and baskets.
According to the museum’s body of trustees, the artifacts are believed to have been looted from Benin City in Southern Nigeria when the military invaded the country in 1897.
“The evidence is very clear that these objects were acquired through force, and external consultation supported our view that it is both moral and appropriate to return their ownership to Nigeria,” read a statement from the Board’s chair.
Horniman’s move comes after the Nigerian body that oversees the preservation of the country’s historic and cultural properties, the National Commission for Museums and Monuments, requested to have the artifacts back.
The museum carefully researched the items under its possession to establish which ones originated from the ancient Kingdom of Benin. They are said to have been used for adorning the king’s palace.
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