University of Aberdeen to return 'looted' Benin Bronze

The university will formally return the bronze, looted by British forces in 1897, to Nigeria at a handover ceremony today.

The sculpture, which depicts the head of an Oba (king), is one of thousands of religious and cultural artefacts taken during the destruction of Benin City in present-day Nigeria. 

It was purchased by the university at an auction in 1957.

The University of Aberdeen became the first institution to agree to the full repatriation from a museum of a Benin Bronze in March, following a formal request by the Nigerian Federal Government. 

It followed a review that concluded the sculpture was one of the 'Benin Bronzes' taken during the Benin Punitive Expedition in which the royal palace of the Oba was burned and looted.

Delegates, including the younger brother of the current Benin monarch, have travelled to Aberdeen to receive the sculpture. 

His Royal Majesty, Oba of Benin, Omo N'Oba N'Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, said: "Much has been said about the significance of heritage art and, in spite of the occasional attempts in some quarters to downplay their cultural and religious relevance, these works are often imbued with the spirit of the people from whom they were taken.

"Regardless of the resistance in some quarters, the return of stolen art is the right thing to do. Some say that they acquired their own collections. This is like saying, well, I know this item was originally stolen but because I bought it somewhere, then I’m okay. That notion is completely wrong and unfortunate.

"In any event, we thank the University of Aberdeen for this noble act of returning our bronze work. We hope that other institutions worldwide will see the injustice when they insist on holding on to items which in fact should be a reminder to them of the great injustice that was inflicted on a people so far away and so long ago."

Professor George Boyne, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Aberdeen, said: "Over the last 40 years the Benin Bronzes have become important symbols of injustice.

"It would not have been right to have retained an item of such great cultural significance that was acquired in such reprehensible circumstances.

"The University took a proactive approach to identify the appropriate people to discuss what to do and we are extremely grateful for the collective approach taken by the partners in Nigeria, which has facilitated this return."

It is expected be put on public display at the Oba’s palace or other agreed place.