The Benin Bronzes are a group of more than 3,000 brass plaques and sculptures dating mainly to the 16th and 17th century.
On Saturday, 19 February, two Benin Bronzes—the Okpa (cockerel) and Uhunwun Elao (Oba head)—were returned to the traditional palace of the Oba of Benin, in Edo State, Nigeria. The return was celebrated in a grand ceremony at the Oba's palace and attended by members of the royal family, traditional rulers from Edo State, Nigerian officials from the UK and Benin residents.
Last year, the returned artefacts were repatriated to Nigerian High Commissioner to the UK, Sarafa Tunji Ishola, from Jesus College, University of Cambridge, and University of Aberdeen. While handing over the artefacts to the Oba Ewuare II of Benin, Ishola cited how...
Every year, The Republic publishes the most ambitious writing focused on Africa, from news and analysis to long-form features.
To continue reading this article, Subscribe or Register for a Free Pass.
Already a subscriber? Log in.