Benin Bronzes

In News 

• The Smithsonian Institution, one of the world’s largest cultural organisations, planned to return most of its collection of Benin Bronzes to Nigeria.
  • The repatriation of the 39 artworks is part of a broader agreement between the Nigerian National Commission for Museums and Monuments and the Smithsonian. 

What are the Benin Bronzes?

• From intricately decorated cast plaques to animal and human figurines, the Benin Bronzes are a group of over 3,000 sculptures and artworks from the ancient Kingdom of Benin in present-day Nigeria, that dates back to at least the 16th century. 
• These historic pieces all share a common painful past — they were looted by British colonial forces during the infamous raid on Benin City in 1897.
  • Historical Background
    • In 1897, after seven British delegates were killed on their way to Benin City for a trade mission, the British launched a retaliatory military expedition which ultimately resulted in the city being captured. 
      • The Benin Royal Palace was partially destroyed and looted — thousands of artefacts were taken back to the UK.
    • Since then, the items have been scattered around the world. But Nigerian historians and activists have long been trying to get them back.
• Several of these pieces were specially commissioned for the kings or Obas, and Queen Mothers of the kingdom. 
• These artefacts provide insight into the culture of the Benin Kingdom as well as its relationships with neighbouring states. Some of these pieces also point to the kingdom’s relationship with Europeans.

Source:IE