The Netherlands joined the world movement in the repatriation of Benin bronzes, returning 119 treasures to Nigeria. Here is why this is a major victory in cultural restitution and colonial reparation.
By Kazem Adelek, artcent
The recent decision of the Dutch government to return 119 bronzes to Benin to Nigeria marks a monumental moment in the current conversation on cultural restitution. This act of repatriation, which took place during a ceremonial event at Leiden World Museum In February 2025, the Netherlands saw a growing list of nations which chose to return these priceless artifacts to their legitimate house. Benin bronzes are a collection of brass, bronze, ivory and other precious objects. They were pillets of Kingdom of Benin During a British military expedition in 1897 and was a symbol of colonial exploitation for a long time. For decades, there has been a global struggle for the return of cultural heritagee.
Benin bronzes: a heritage of cultural flight
These Benin bronzes are a collection of artefacts taken from the Kingdom of Benin (which is now part of modern Nigeria) during the British punitive expedition of 1897. These masterpieces include sculptures, plates, pendants, defenses and an ivory mask, among other objects. They are one of the most important examples of African art. The pieces present the crafts and the rich history of the people of Benin.
The looting of Benin bronzes is a painful chapter in the history of cultural flight, with thousands of objects dispersed in museums, private collections and institutions in the world. Benin bronzes have, for over a century, has been a focal point in the debate on the restitution of cultural artefacts to their countries of origin. For Nigeria, the return of this work is not only a question of recover stolen treasures but also healing of historical wounds inflicted by colonial exploitation.
The historic decision of the Dutch government
In February 2025, the Dutch government made the historic decision to return 119 Benin bronzes to Nigeria. This decision follows years of diplomatic negotiations and public pressure from advocacy groups. Objects are part of the collection held by the Netherlands since the colonial period. While 113 pieces reside in the Dutch state collection and six are in possession of the municipality of Rotterdam.
During a ceremony at the Wereldmuseum in Leiden, the property of these artifacts was officially transferred to Nigeria. The Dutch Minister of Culture EPPO Bruins stressed the importance of this gesture. “With this return, we contribute to the repair of a historical injustice that is still felt today,” he said. Bruins have stressed the essential role that heritage plays in the formation of the identity and history of a nation. According to him, Benin Bronzes are an integral part of the cultural heritage of Nigeria and the national story.
The role of museums in cultural repatriation
The Wereldmuseum in Leiden, where the repatriation ceremony took place, was a focal point for Benin bronzes in the Netherlands. Many objects have been stored for several years, with around fifty pieces remaining in the museum until March 9, 2025. After this date, the artifacts will return to Nigeria, where they will be exhibited in museums and cultural institutions.
One of the most important developments in the saga of repatriation of Benin bronzes is the construction of the Edo Museum of West African Art in Benin City, Nigeria. Designed by the famous architect David Adjaye, the museum should open its doors in 2026. It will provide a permanent house to many returned Benin bronzes. The museum aims to present the rich cultural history of the Kingdom of Benin. In addition, it will provide a space for future generations to engage with their heritage.
Global repatriation efforts: an increasing movement
The return of Benin's bronzes to Nigeria by the Netherlands is part of a broader global trend in the repiapation of looted cultural treasures. Other countries, including Germany, Ireland, Scotland and the United States, have already made Benin bronzes in Nigeria. Their effort marks significant progress in the current campaign for the return of stolen cultural artefacts.
Germany, in particular, has been at the forefront of repatriation efforts, returning more than 1,000 bronzes to Benin in recent years. Ireland and Scotland have also taken measures to return individual pieces of Benin bronzes. The United States has also made several parts in Nigeria. These artefact's return decisions are part of a broader effort to combat the heritage of colonialism and cultural flight.
Despite this significant progress, the British Museum remains a key player in the current discussion on the return of Benin bronzes. The museum contains more than 900 pieces of Benin bronzes, many of which have looted during the British expedition of 1897. For years, there has been increasing pressure on the British Museum to return these objects to Nigeria. However, the museum has faced a significant resistance, the British government blocking efforts to repatriate the Benin bronzes.
The impact of repatriation on the cultural identity of Nigeria
The return of Benin bronzes to Nigeria is more than recovery from stolen artefacts. It is also an act of restoration of cultural identity. For Nigeria, Benin bronzes are not only precious objects; They are part of the collective memory and history of the nation. Benin bronzes represent a link with the tradition of origin, governance and artistic realization of the kingdom of the kingdom of Benin.
Benin's bronzes give off the feeling of pride and identity of the people of Benin. By returning these treasures, the Netherlands and other countries recognize the importance of these objects in the cultural life of the Benin community. This repatriation is an important step towards the healing of the wounds of colonialism and the recognition of cultural contributions of African societies.
The future of Benin bronzes
While more and more countries are joining the world movement to repatriate Benin bronzes, the conversation on cultural restitution has only just begun. The return of these objects highlights the need for greater cooperation between museums, governments and cultural institutions around the world to approach the heritage of colonialism and the theft of cultural heritage.
For Nigeria, Benin Bronzes will be at the West African EDO Museum. There, they will be posted for future generations. This museum will serve as a center for the study, preservation and celebration of Benin bronzes. It will provide an important opportunity in Nigeria to recover its history and cultural heritage.
Rapatriation bronzes: the long -awaited return
The repatriation of Brenzes in Benin is a historic event. It highlights the growing movement of the return of cultural artefacts stolen from their legitimate owners. The Dutch government's decision to return 119 documents to Nigeria is an important step towards healing injuries from the past. In addition, it is a giant stride towards the restoration of the cultural heritage of the Kingdom of Benin. While more and more countries are taking the plunge, Benin's bronzes will soon return home to their cultural context, where they belong. They will again tell the stories of a proud and rich heritage.
- Star image: A group of Benin bronzes exhibited in the Wereldmuseum. From left to right: Elephant tusk worked1500–1891; Head of a Prince (OBA),, 1600–1750; Statue of a leopard,, California. 19th century; 19th century staff with “Bird of Prophecy”, Before 1993. Photo: BOUDEWIJN Bollmann / World Museum Leiden
