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Assignment: Return of the Benin Bronzes

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Return of the Benin Bronzes

14/05/2024 GMT

BBC World Service - Assignment, Return of the Benin Bronzes

Nigeria's long battle to bring home ancient treasures taken by British forces in 1897

Nigeria's long battle to bring home ancient treasures taken by British forces in 1897.

In 1897 British colonial forces attacked and looted the ancient Kingdom of Benin in what is now southern Nigeria. Thousands of precious objects were taken, including stunning sculptures made of bronze, brass, ivory and terracotta. Some were decorative, some were sacred. Known collectively as the Benin Bronzes, they were famed for their craftsmanship and beauty. The majority ended up in museums around the world. But ever since, Nigerians have been demanding their return. The Bronzes became symbols of the wider global campaign for restitution by former colonial powers.  Now finally, some have been handed back. Peter Macjob travels to Nigeria to track the return of the Bronzes, and find out what it means for Nigeria to have these lost treasures come home.

Photo: One of the repatriated Benin Bronzes currently held at a secret location in Nigeria (BBC)

Reporter: Peter Macjob
Producer: Alex Last
Sound mix: Neil Churchill
Production Coordinator: Gemma Ashman
Series Editor: Penny Murphy

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