The Museum of Fine Arts in Boston has returned two historic artifacts looted from the Benin Kingdom in 1897 to the Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba Ewuare II. The artifacts include the Commemorative Head, a terracotta and iron piece from the 16th or 17th century and a Relief Plaque which is a a 16th-century bronze plaque showing two officials with raised swords
The return ceremony took place at the Nigeria House in New York City, where the artifacts were handed over to representatives of the Nigerian royal family and diplomatic corps. The museum’s director, Matthew Teitelbaum, expressed deep appreciation for the opportunity to return the artworks to their rightful cultural home, acknowledging the painful history of colonial plunder.
The artifacts were acquired by the museum through donations, specifically from Robert Owen Lehman, who donated them in 2013 and 2018. Despite this act of restitution, the museum still holds three other Benin works whose provenance is under review.
From L-R: H.E. Ambassador Abubakar Jidda, Consul General of Nigeria; Victoria Reed, Senior Curator for Provenance, MFA; Pierre Terjanian, Chief of Curatorial Affairs and Conservation, MFA; H.E. Ambassador Samson Itegboje of the Embassy of Nigeria; Matthew Teitelbaum, Ann and Graham Gund Director, MFA; His Royal Highness Prince Aghatise Erediauwa; Dr. Arese Carrington. Credit: MFA
This return is part of a larger effort to repatriate cultural artifacts taken during the colonial era. Nigeria has been working to recover its cultural heritage, with other countries like the Netherlands also returning looted artifacts. In a similar move, the Netherlands returned 119 historic Benin Bronzes to Nigeria, symbolizing the restoration of the pride and dignity of the Benin people.
