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The Kingdom Behind Glass
Jan 30, 2025
Wando Achebe, a West African history expert at Michigan State University, dives into the tumultuous legacy of the Benin Kingdom and its treasures. The conversation reveals the gripping journey of looted Benin Bronzes to prestigious Cambridge. Achebe elaborates on the clash of empires, the complexity of colonial legacies, and the moral dilemmas surrounding the art's restitution. This narrative intertwines personal identity and history, igniting a deeper understanding of imperialism's impacts.
48:24
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Quick takeaways
- Ore Ogunbi's discovery of the Okoko statue at Cambridge University reveals deep cultural loss and inspires movements for repatriation of looted artifacts.
- The historical context of the Benin Kingdom illustrates the devastating impacts of imperialism and cultural appropriation on global heritage and identity.
Deep dives
The Journey of Discovery
In 2015, a first-year student named Ore Ogunbi at Cambridge University uncovered a hidden rooster statue known as the Okoko in her college dining hall. Initially unnoticed, this 125-year-old statue had a plaque indicating it was looted from Benin during a 1897 punitive expedition. Upon discovering its origins, Ore felt a mix of embarrassment and anger, which propelled her to investigate the artifact's history. Her journey unveiled a greater narrative of imperialism, cultural loss, and resilience tied to the Benin Kingdom's rich heritage.
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