Benin Artefacts: Switzerland Repatriates 23 Looted Cultural Items to Nigeria

Nigeria has reached another significant milestone in its ongoing mission to reclaim its plundered cultural heritage, with the reception of 23 Benin Kingdom artefacts from Switzerland. This collection comprises 18 Benin cultural objects handed over by three different Swiss museums, alongside an additional five cultural pieces previously confiscated by Swiss authorities.

These artefacts, widely recognized as Benin Bronzes, are metal and ivory creations from the royal court of Benin, which were unlawfully taken during the 1897 British invasion of the Benin Kingdom. The official handover ceremony took place at the National Museum in Lagos, where the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) formally accepted the items on behalf of the Nigerian Federal Government.

During the event, a pivotal agreement on the transfer of cultural property was signed between Switzerland’s Federal Councillor Elisabeth Baume-Schneider and Nigeria’s Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa. This accord aims to bolster cooperation between both nations in combating illicit trafficking and streamlining the return of stolen cultural treasures.

Specifically, 14 of the 18 Benin artefacts were returned by the Ethnographic Museum at the University of Zurich, with Museum Rietberg Zurich contributing two, and the Musée d’Ethnographie de Genève (MEG) also returning two. This restitution follows extensive provenance research conducted under the Benin Initiative Switzerland, which unequivocally confirmed that these objects were indeed looted during the 1897 expedition. Additionally, a bronze bracelet and four archaeological monoliths originating from Nigeria's Niger Delta, which had been seized during criminal investigations in Switzerland, were also repatriated.

This new bilateral agreement provides a structured legal framework for collaborative efforts concerning the import, export, and repatriation of cultural property. It also strengthens initiatives geared towards safeguarding cultural heritage and preventing illegal trade. Nigerian officials have emphasized that these returned artefacts are a vital component of the nation's history, identity, and cultural legacy. While some will be displayed at the National Museum in Lagos, the majority are destined to be returned to their original home in Edo State.

Key attendees at the restitution ceremony included NCMM Director-General Olugbile Holloway, representatives from the Swiss Federal Office of Culture, and the directors of the three Swiss museums involved in the artefacts' return.