The Netherlands has announced the return of 113 Benin Bronzes to Nigeria, marking one of the largest restitutions of looted artefacts from the 19th-century British invasion.
The Dutch government confirmed the decision in a statement on Wednesday, following a formal request from the Nigerian government. Olugbile Holloway, Director-General of the Nigerian National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), described the return as a significant step toward rectifying historical injustices.
Dutch Minister of Education, Culture, and Science, Eppo Bruins, emphasized that the restitution acknowledges the enduring impact of colonial-era looting. The official transfer agreement was signed between Bruins and Holloway on the same day.
The return follows similar actions by Germany, the United States, and other nations. However, the British Museum in London has yet to repatriate its collection, citing a 1963 law that prevents it from returning artefacts. The Benin Bronzes, known for their intricate depictions of royal figures and animals, were stolen by British soldiers in 1897 and later sold to museums worldwide, including the Wereldmuseum in Leiden.
