The artefacts, including figurines, tusks, sculptures of Benin rulers, and an ivory mask, have been kept in the Wereldmuseum in the Netherlands for many years.

The Netherlands has announced plans to return 119 Benin Bronzes, which were looted by British troops from Nigeria in 1897, marking the largest repatriation of Benin antiquities to date. The artefacts, which include figurines, tusks, sculptures of Benin rulers, and an ivory mask, have been housed in the Wereldmuseum in the Netherlands for many years. These treasures were originally taken during the British invasion and subsequent destruction of Benin City, now part of Edo State in Nigeria.

Olugbile Holloway, the director-general of Nigeria’s National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), praised this decision as a significant milestone, expressing hope that it would inspire other countries to follow suit in returning looted cultural items. A formal agreement for the transfer of the artefacts is expected to be signed on Wednesday.

Dutch Minister of Culture, Education, and Science, Eppo Bruins, emphasized the importance of the repatriation, describing it as a step towards addressing a historical wrong that still impacts people today. The Benin Bronzes, famous for their intricate artistry, are of profound spiritual and historical significance to the people of the region.

This move is likely to increase pressure on other institutions, especially the British Museum, which holds over 900 Benin Bronzes, to return them as well. Protests and campaigns continue, calling for their repatriation, though a parliamentary act currently prevents the British Museum from returning them.

In response, Nigeria has made formal repatriation requests to museums around the world. The country is also preparing to open the Edo Museum of West African Art in 2026, which will house a major collection of the Benin Bronzes.