University of Iowa Returns Benin Bronzes to Nigerian Royal Family
Groundbreaking Act of Restitution
Stanley Museum of Art Leads the Way
In a historic move, the University of Iowa Stanley Museum of Art has returned two Benin bronzes to the Oba of Benin, the traditional ruler of the former Kingdom of Benin in present-day Nigeria. The Stanley Museum of Art becomes the first US institution to directly return looted artifacts to the Nigerian royal family.
The bronzes, which were looted by British forces in 1897, have been in the collection of the Stanley Museum of Art since 1959. The museum's decision to return the artifacts follows years of negotiations and collaboration with the Oba of Benin and the Nigerian National Commission for Museums and Monuments.
The move is seen as a significant step towards the repatriation of looted African artifacts and has been praised by experts and cultural leaders.
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