The Benin Bronzes and Museum Repatriation

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Questions and Answers

Where are the Benin Bronzes originally from?

Ghana

Nigeria (correct)

Egypt

Kenya

What type of artifacts are the Benin Bronzes mainly composed of?

Textiles

Pottery

Wood carvings

Commemorative heads (correct)

Why did the British-led force sack Benin City in 1897?

To establish trade routes

To promote cultural exchanges

To conduct a Punitive Expedition (correct)

To protect the artifacts

Where did many of the looted Benin Bronzes end up after the 1897 expedition?

Europe Signup and view all the answers

What was established in 2017 to discuss the return of Benin Bronzes?

Benin Dialogue Group Signup and view all the answers

Where will some Benin artifacts be displayed in 2023?

Fitzwilliam Museum's Legacies of Enslavement exhibition Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary artistic subject matter of the Benin Bronzes?

Commemorative heads of the Oba and Queen Mother Signup and view all the answers

How did the Benin Bronzes end up in museums across Europe?

Through donations, sales, and looting during the 1897 Punitive Expedition Signup and view all the answers

Why did the Museum of Archeology and Anthropology in Cambridge recognize the need to reconsider its repatriation policies?

Because of the significant number of Benin artefacts in its possession Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Benin Dialogue Group established in 2017?

To discuss the return of Benin artefacts and new museum facilities Signup and view all the answers

What milestone was achieved by the University of Cambridge in January 2022 regarding the Benin Bronzes?

Approving submissions for the return of objects to Benin City Signup and view all the answers

What role do Benin artefacts play in educational programs at the Museum of Archeology and Anthropology in Cambridge?

They are central to educational programs and community engagement Signup and view all the answers

Where will some Benin artifacts be displayed in 2023 according to the text?

Fitzwilliam Museum's Legacies of Enslavement exhibition Signup and view all the answers

How are the Benin Bronzes described in terms of their artistic value and production techniques according to the text?

Having exceptional artistic value and demonstrating advanced brass casting techniques Signup and view all the answers

What is one reason why repatriation policies for Benin artefacts needed reconsideration in the 21st century?

'Decolonization' efforts and increased awareness of colonial legacies Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Benin Bronzes are cultural heritage of the Kingdom of Benin and its capital, Benin City, located in Southern Nigeria.
Best known artefacts are commemorative heads, representing the Oba or Divine King and Queen Mother.
Bronzes are of significant artistic value and demonstrate exceptional brass casting techniques.
In 1897, British-led force, the Punitive Expedition, sacked Benin City and looted thousands of artefacts.
Artefacts ended up in museums across Europe, including Cambridge, from various sources including donations, sales, and purchases.
The Museum of Archeology and Anthropology in Cambridge cares for approximately 470 objects from Benin City, around 116 of which were taken during the 1897 expedition.
The museum has had repatriation policies in place for decades, and in the 21st century, recognized the need to reconsider them.
Benin Dialogue Group, a collaboration between European museums and the Benin community, was established in 2017 to discuss return of artefacts and new museum facilities.
In January 2022, submission for the return of objects was approved by the University of Cambridge.
Artefacts are central to educational programs and community engagement at the museum.
Some Benin artefacts will be on display at the Fitzwilliam Museum's Legacies of Enslavement exhibition in 2023.
Widespread recognition in the museum sector for the need to return Benin artefacts to Benin City.
Aim to reset relationships, find new ways of engaging with collections and histories, and work together on new projects.

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Description

Explore the cultural significance of the Benin Bronzes from Benin City and the ongoing debate about repatriating these artefacts. Learn about the history of the Benin Bronzes, the repatriation efforts by museums, and the impact on community engagement and educational programs.