74 Global News Post 2

Germany has handed back over about 20 pieces of stolen Benin Bronzes to Nigeria as of December 2022, following a series of other European countries that have begun returning items stolen during periods of colonization. Most of these artifacts were seized over two centuries ago during a raid in the Kingdom of Benin in 1897, and earlier this year Germany declared they were going to return all 1,130 sculptures.

The article went on to mention the information minister of Nigeria has looked to the British and called on them to return the 900 plus Benin Bronzes that they have kept as well. They bring in statements from the German museum saying that these pieces are long overdue to be returned back to their homeland. There are still several countries that have Benin Bronzes such as the United States and New Zealand. The pressure to return the pieces will increase especially in London, where the largest collection is kept.

The article had a few links in different parts of the story that went to websites with more contextual information on the history of the artifacts and the countries that still have them. I find the article very interesting because it brings up the fact that if one country sets a precedent of returning stolen artifacts it creates the pressure for other countries to do the same.

Citation:

Story by Reuters. (2022, December 21). Germany hands over 20 looted Benin Bronzes to Nigeria. CNN. Retrieved February 19, 2023, from https://www.cnn.com/style/article/germany-returns-bronzes-nigeria-intl/index.html