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Switzerland Returns Famed Benin Bronzes to Nigeria
The handover adds to Nigeria’s repatriated treasures as African nations press for the return of colonial-era artefacts.
- On Monday, Swiss authorities returned 18 Benin Bronzes to Nigeria during a ceremony at the National Museum in Lagos, marking the first step of an agreement signed in March 2026 to address colonial-era injustices.
- British colonial forces looted these artifacts from the Kingdom of Benin during an 1897 raid, prompting the 2021 launch of the Benin Initiative Switzerland to investigate provenance and facilitate restitution.
- The handover also included a bronze bracelet and four Ikom monoliths from the Niger Delta region, which were seized in Switzerland during criminal proceedings and transferred to the state.
- Nigeria's culture minister Hannatu Musa Musawa said the return represents "evidence of civilisation that already mastered bronze casting" before colonisation, with most artifacts heading to the National Museum in Benin City.
- While other nations have returned artifacts in recent years, restitution remains complex as Nigeria continues to push for hundreds more items from museums that refuse to relinquish them despite known locations.
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15 Articles
15 Articles
The restitution of African artifacts continues. Austrian museums are also in possession of some of the objects concerned.
After 130 years, Switzerland hands over the bronzes to Nigeria in the presence of Federal Councillor Elisabeth Baume-Schneider.
·Zürich, Switzerland
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources15
Leaning Left3Leaning Right2Center4Last UpdatedBias Distribution45% Center
Bias Distribution
- 45% of the sources are Center
45% Center
L 33%
C 45%
R 22%
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