The University of Aberdeen is also going to return a precious bronze statue to Nigeria. This happens more than a century after the statue, like many other art treasures, was looted from Nigeria and sold on to museums and collectors in the West. The statue is part of the Benin Bronzes, art treasures from the kingdom of Benin, in present-day Nigeria.
Earlier this week, Germany pledged to return a bronze statue to the Nigerians. It is the first time that a British institution has returned a looted work of art to Nigeria, which was colonized by the British in the 19th century.
The work of art that the University of Aberdeen restores belonged to an ancient ruler of the former kingdom of Benin. The British university contacted the authorities in Nigeria in 2019 to negotiate the restitution of the statue.
Thousands of images looted
It was bought by the university in 1957 but had previously been owned by the British. British colonial forces seized thousands of metal castings and sculptures in the kingdom of Benin in 1897. The palaces of the king, the oba, were ransacked and thousands of statues disappeared that played an important role in the rituals of the kingdom.
The head of Museums and Special Collections in Aberdeen says the statue going back was “shamelessly looted”. “It became clear that we had to do something,” said Neil Curtis.
‘Importance ineffable’
The director of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments of Nigeria is very pleased with the return of the statue. Abba Isa Tijani says it is unspeakable that the bronze statue will be exhibited in Nigeria for the first time in more than 120 years. “It’s part of our identity, it’s part of our heritage that has been taken from us for many years,” said Tijani.
European and Nigerian museums are currently discussing the restitution of images. American museums also say they are willing to return them. The intention is that a new museum will be built in Benin City in Nigeria where the images will be on display again.
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