Western museums face a decision on 'Benin Bronzes'
Helen Jorgensen
Following discussions held in early 2021 between the head of the German foreign ministry's department of culture, Andreas Görgen, and Edo State's governor, Godwin Obaseki, German officials announced in April they would, in 2022, return a significant portion of their 'Benin Bronzes' collection to Nigeria. If Germany follows through with the restitution of the Bronzes, they will become the first country to return their share of the Bronzes to Benin City permanently. The 'Benin Bronzes' are objects that include, but are not limited to, figurines, tusks, and sculptures of Benin's former rulers. They once decorated government palaces in Benin and were also used in various religious rituals. In 1897, British Troops looted the objects from Benin Palace after a short conflict between British forces and locals. Over time, these objects exchanged hands through private sales, loans, and donations. Today, 'Benin Bronzes' can be found in museums across North America and Europe.
Germany's active role in the restitution of the Bronzes encouraged a U.K. regional university museum to take action. In March, the University of Aberdeen announced that they would return a bust of an “Oba” (a king) that has been in their collection since the 1950s. Professor George Boyne, Principal and vice-chancellor of the university, said the decision aligned with the institution's, "...values as an international, inclusive university." However, Germany's work towards restitution has yet to influence other important museums and collectors to follow in their footsteps.
The British Museum, the institution with the most extensive collection of Benin Bronzes worldwide with 900 objects in its possession, has often received criticism for not taking any steps towards restitution. The museum defends its position by saying that, "...the strength of the British Museum collection resides in its breadth and depth, allowing millions of visitors an understanding of the cultures of the world and how they interconnect over time." Their statement highlights a critical consequence the restitution of the Benin Bronzes would have on museums: they could no longer educate such vast numbers of people about the history of Benin City using these objects to show the uncomfortable realities of colonialism.
Many observers have concluded that Germany's decision to return the majority of its collection is a sensible compromise. Museums can still have some objects to display for visitors, and Benin City can have some of the Bronzes returned for their own use. Although we have not seen a wave of museums returning their share of the Benin Bronzes, the British Museum and other museums should see Germany's decision as a signal for what may be inevitable as they face social and political pressures.
Sources:
https://www.britishmuseum.org/about-us/british-museum-story/objects-news/benin-bronzes