BY AFIANMAGBON ITOHAN
It is no news that numerous artefacts of Benin origin are housed in museums around the world. Although the exact number is difficult to determine, estimates suggest that thousands of Benin artefacts are currently held in foreign collections.
Dispersal of Benin Artefacts
The presence of Benin artefacts in museums outside Nigeria can be traced to two major sources. The first, and most widely known, is the looting of artefacts by British forces. Historical accounts recount the 1897 invasion of the Benin Kingdom by British soldiers during the reign of Oba Ovonramwen.
The immediate cause of the invasion was the unsolicited and unauthorised visit of a British delegation led by James Phillip, who insisted on seeing the Oba of Benin. This intrusion was met with resistance by several Benin chiefs, including Ologbosere, Obakhavbaye, Uso, Obarisiagbon, and Obayuwana. In the ensuing conflict, Phillip and other members of the British party were killed. The British retaliated with a full-scale military expedition, attacking the kingdom and looting numerous artefacts from the Oba’s palace and shrines. Some of these artefacts were retained in British museums, while others were sold to private collectors and institutions.
Beyond this historic plunder, a second wave of dispersal occurred through illicit trafficking. Driven by the lure of quick wealth, the theft and illegal trade in Benin artefacts became rampant in the 1980s and 1990s, as individuals sought opportunities to make money and migrate abroad. Consequently, many more Benin artefacts found their way overseas.
Repatriation of Benin Artefacts
Calls for the return of Benin artefacts have persisted over the years, particularly in Benin and across Nigeria. Individuals, civil society groups, and successive governments have, from time to time, demanded the repatriation of these cultural treasures. While progress has been slow, some artefacts have gradually been returned. A notable example is the “Bird of Prophecy,” known in Benin as Oro, which was returned to the Oba’s palace during the reign of Oba Erediauwa. It had previously been in a private European collection.
Other artefacts have been repatriated from Germany, and more recently, over one hundred pieces were returned from the Netherlands to Benin — the largest single repatriation in recent memory. The looted artefacts span various mediums, including bronze, brass, ivory, wood, terracotta, and iron.
Among the returned items are significant cultural objects such as the Uhunmwu Elao (commemorative head of an Oba), Uhunmwu Idia (queen mother head), Okpa (a cockerel), and ceremonial swords known as Ada and Eben. These represent only a portion of the rich heritage of the Benin Kingdom.
Possible Exhibition of Benin Artefacts
The repatriated artefacts, particularly those returned from the Netherlands, should be exhibited for public viewing, as well as for the benefit of tourists and researchers. Exhibiting these items serves several important purposes.
Firstly, it helps educate visitors about the historical and cultural heritage of the Benin people, including their architecture, art, and scientific achievements. Secondly, it creates opportunities for academic research by students and independent scholars interested in Benin culture. Thirdly, it aids in the conservation and preservation of the artefacts.
In addition, public exhibitions can foster community engagement, encouraging dialogue about the meanings and traditional uses of the objects. They can also inspire younger generations to participate in artistic production, make the artefacts accessible to all, and deepen the public’s connection to Benin history and identity.
Conclusion
The recent return of Benin artefacts from the Netherlands deserves celebration and renewed advocacy for other museums to follow suit. Nonetheless, the proper documentation, conservation, and exhibition of these artefacts are vital. Doing so will not only safeguard them but may also encourage further repatriations in the near future.
