Stolen Treasures: Nine Artifacts Claimed from the British Museum

The collection of Benin Bronzes at the British Museum comprises around nine hundred objects—bronze plaques, figures, regalia crafted by Edo artists between the 16th and 19th centuries. These objects were seized in 1897 during a British military expedition that sacked Benin City; today, Nigeria, including its federal Ministry and the Royal Palace, insist that these cultural treasures be returned, framing their return as essential to correcting historical injustices. Though some UK institutions such as the Horniman Museum have begun repatriation—for instance, transferring 72 bronzes back to Nigeria in 2022—the British Museum remains legally constrained by UK legislation and has not yet repatriated its holdings.