Repatriating the Benin Bronzes

This chapter explores the British invasion of the Benin Kingdom in 1897, detailing the cultural devastation and looting that ensued, particularly the seizure of the famed Benin Bronzes. It highlights the moral and legal dilemmas surrounding the repatriation of these artifacts, focusing on the efforts of advocates to reclaim them for Nigeria amidst institutional resistance. The chapter also discusses the broader implications of cultural restitution and the need for collaboration in acknowledging this painful historical context.