Iowa Museum Makes History by Returning Looted Benin Bronzes to Royal Ruler
The University of Iowa Stanley Museum of Art recently returned two Benin bronzes to the Oba of Benin in a historic ceremony at the Benin Palace in Nigeria. This marks the first time a US museum has restituted works to the former royal family of the Benin empire. The Benin bronzes, looted during the colonial era, have become a focal point for discussions on the restitution of African heritage. The return of these artifacts to the Oba of Benin reflects a growing trend of museums acknowledging the rightful owners of looted art. The museum’s commitment to ethical stewardship sets a powerful example for other institutions to follow, putting pressure on international museums to also consider repatriation efforts. The British Museum, which holds a significant number of Benin bronzes, may face increased scrutiny to return these works to Nigeria. The director of the British Museum has expressed a willingness to collaborate on issues of restitution and shared cultural heritage. This recent development highlights the ongoing debate surrounding the repatriation of looted cultural artifacts and the importance of ethical stewardship in the art world.
Source
Elara Voss, graduated from the Royal College of Art in London with a Master’s in Fine Art. She specializes in contemporary sculpture and installation art, exploring themes of nature and human interaction. Elara’s works have been featured in several group exhibitions across Europe, and she is currently working on her first solo show.