They are finally coming back: With an internationally recognized step, Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and Minister of State for Culture Claudia Roth are returning 20 of the precious Benin bronzes this Tuesday in the Nigerian capital Abuja. The art treasures previously belonged to museums in Berlin, Hamburg, Cologne, Dresden/Leipzig and Stuttgart. More than 1,100 of the works from the palace of the former Kingdom of Benin, which today belongs to Nigeria, have so far been found in around 20 German museums. Most of the objects, which are made of ivory and other materials in addition to bronze, come from British looting in 1897. The five museums involved and their sponsors had already transferred ownership of all the Benin bronzes before they were returned. Loan agreements were also concluded so that some of the art treasures can continue to be shown in Germany.
The Benin Bronzes: These art treasures are going back to Nigeria
