Netherlands returns 119 precious antiquities to Nigeria after more than a century of theft

On June 23, the Netherlands officially returned to Nigeria 119 precious ancient sculptures - artifacts stolen from the kingdom of Benin more than 120 years ago, during the colonial period.

Western governments and organizations are under increasing pressure from international public opinion to return artifacts that were seized during the colonial period - Photo: AFP

According to France 24, this is the latest return of antiquities to Africa, amid a wave of increasingly strong calls from Western governments and organizations to return heritage looted during the colonial period.

Nigeria receives over 100 stolen artifacts from the Netherlands

These artifacts include human and animal statues, metal reliefs and an ancient bell. Notably, many of them are from the "Benin Bronzes" collection - a series of sculptures and metal reliefs that have been on display at the Leiden Museum (Netherlands) since the late 19th century.

These are artifacts that were used to decorate the palaces of the ancient Kingdom of Benin (now in southern Nigeria), crafted by Edo ethnic artisans from the 13th century.

In recent years, many African countries have repeatedly asked Europe to return treasures looted during the colonial period.

The return of these precious artifacts is not only a step to correct past mistakes, but also contributes to preserving and honoring Africa's unique cultural heritage - Photo: AFP

Director of the Wereld Museum - Ms. Marieke Van Bommel, said the Dutch government is committed to returning artifacts that are not legally owned by this country.

In the 19th century , British troops stole thousands of Benin artifacts during a raid on a royal palace in the kingdom of Benin, an independent country at the time, located in what is now southern Nigeria. Since then, they have been scattered and stored in museums and private collections in Europe and the United States, according to France 24.

"These artifacts embody the spirit and identity of the community they once belonged to. All we want is for the world to treat us with fairness, civility and respect," said Olugbile Holloway, director general of the Nigerian National Commission for Museums and Monuments.

He also announced that Germany has agreed to return more than 1,000 other Benin artifacts to Nigeria.

The reception of priceless artifacts from the “Benin Bronzes” collection of metal and ivory works dating from the 16th to 18th centuries at the National Museum in Lagos.

Nigeria's Minister of Culture and Arts, Hannatu Musa Musawa, who signed the repatriation document with Dewi van de Weerd, the Netherlands' ambassador for international cultural cooperation, said: "Nigeria needs to reclaim its own history and heritage.

At the same time, the successful agreement with Germany further demonstrates the growing international commitment to correcting historical mistakes and promoting mutual respect."

Ms. Dewi van de Weerd said that the return of the artifacts looted by the British in 1897 was of historical significance and would help restore dignity to Nigeria.

She also revealed that the Dutch government is working with other countries such as Indonesia and Sri Lanka to return artworks looted during the imperial period.

Adebimpe Adebambo, a Lagos-based artist who has been following the repatriation of Benin antiquities for years, told AFP : "I used to pay a lot of money in Europe to see works that were stolen from my country. Now I'm very happy that they're back with us."

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Source: https://tuoitre.vn/ha-lan-tra-119-co-vat-quy-cho-nigeria-sau-hon-mot-the-ky-bi-danh-cap-20250624134526309.htm