Nigeria's Benin Bronze Museum Falls Short: Clay Replicas Replace Looting Victims' Treasures

Restitution Row: How Nigeria's New Home for the Benin Bronzes Ended Up with Clay Replicas LAGOS, NIGERIA - The new Museum of West African Art was supposed to be a crowning glory in the decades-long effort to return the looted Benin bronzes to their ancestral home. Instead, visitors are greeted by clay replicas of the cultural treasures that once adorned the royal palace. The museum's sample display includes a proud cockerel, a plaque with three mighty warriors, and a bust of a king with a glorious beaded collar. However, these artefacts are not the original Benin bronzes looted by British colonial forces in 1897. Instead, they are replicas made from clay. "This is a travesty," said Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, a Nigerian historian and expert on the Benin bronzes. "The people of Nigeria deserve to see the real artefacts, not these cheap imitations." The Benin bronzes were scattered across collections in Europe and America after being looted by British colonial forces who burned down the palace in 1897. The return of these artefacts was a long-overdue recognition of the cultural significance they hold for the people of Nigeria. However, it appears that the Nigerian government has opted to display clay replicas instead of the original Benin bronzes. When asked about this decision, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Culture and Tourism said, "The replicas are an excellent way to showcase the culture and history of the Benin kingdom without damaging the original artefacts." But Dr. Adesina disagrees. "This is not just about preserving the artefacts; it's about respecting the cultural heritage of our people," he said. Background research reveals that the decision to display clay replicas may have been influenced by concerns over the preservation and conservation of the original Benin bronzes. However, many experts argue that this is a flawed approach. "The Nigerian government should have worked with international partners to return the original artefacts and provide proper care for them," said Dr. Neil Curtis, head of collections at the University of Aberdeen, who has been involved in the restitution efforts. The controversy surrounding the Museum of West African Art raises questions about the role of cultural institutions in preserving and promoting cultural heritage. It also highlights the ongoing struggle to address the legacy of colonialism and its impact on communities around the world. As for the future of the Benin bronzes, it remains unclear when or if they will be returned to Nigeria. The Nigerian government has promised to continue working with international partners to resolve this issue. For now, visitors to the Museum of West African Art are left with a sense of disappointment and disillusionment. As Dr. Adesina noted, "The people of Nigeria deserve better than clay replicas." *Reporting by Theguardian.*