At the German foreign ministry in Berlin, Germany on July 1, 2022, sculptures known as the Benin Bronzes were pictured at a ceremony for the signing of an agreement of intent to return them to Nigeria. ADAM BERRY AFP LONDON -- London's Horniman Museum said it would return 72 artefacts, including 12 brass plaques known as Benin Bronzes, looted from Benin City by British soldiers in 1897 to the Nigerian government.
The Benin Bronzes are among Africa's most culturally significant artefacts, originating in the once mighty Kingdom of Benin in what is now southwestern Nigeria from at least the 16th century onwards.
They were seized in a British military incursion, along with thousands of other items, and ended up in museums in Europe and the United States.
African countries have struggled for years to recover works pillaged by explorers and colonisers, while Western institutions are grappling with the cultural legacies of colonialism.
German authorities last month returned the first of more than 1,100 priceless sculptures to Nigeria, following examples set by Jesus College at Cambridge University and the Quai Branly museum in Paris last year.
READ MORE: A glimpse into how it all started.
The Horniman said the National Commission for Museums and Monuments of Nigeria had requested the return of the artefacts at the beginning of the year.
The evidence is very clear that these objects were acquired through force, and external consultation supported our view that it is moral and appropriate to return their ownership to Nigeria, said Eve Salomon, chair of the trustees of the Horniman MuseumHorniman Museum and Gardens.
The Horniman is pleased to be able to take this step and we look forward to working with the NCMM to secure longer term care for these precious artefacts. ALSO READ: Greek composer sets the tone for cultural exchanges.
NCMM Director-General Abba Tijani welcomed the decision, saying he looked forward to discussing loan agreements and collaborations with the Horniman.
The British Museum in London, which holds the largest and most significant collection of Benin bronzes, is going to be under pressure due to the returns.