Cambridge University Hands Back 116 Benin Artefacts to Nigeria
Cambridge University in the United Kingdom has officially transferred legal ownership of 116 Benin artefacts from its Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology (MAA) to Nigeria’s National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM). The move is part of the university’s ongoing efforts to address the colonial-era removal of cultural heritage.
The artefacts, primarily made of brass, ivory, and wood, were seized by British forces during the 1897 ‘Punitive Expedition’ following a trade dispute in Benin City. The NCMM formally requested the return of the items in January 2022, a claim subsequently approved by Cambridge’s Governing Council and authorised by the UK Charity Commission.
While most of the artefacts will be physically returned to Nigeria, a small number will remain on loan at MAA, accessible to visitors, researchers, and students. Cambridge said the decision aligns with global efforts by museums in the UK, the US, and Europe to repatriate Benin artefacts taken during the colonial period.
The university has maintained long-term dialogue with Nigerian stakeholders, including the Benin Royal Court, artists, academics, and students. Curators have visited Benin City since 2018, meeting the Oba, members of the Royal Court, and government officials. The Benin Dialogue Group has also been engaged in discussions with the museum since 2017.
Reacting to the handover, NCMM Director-General Olugbile Holloway described the return as a milestone, emphasizing that it restores both cultural heritage and national pride. He praised Nigeria’s Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, and commended Cambridge University for taking this step.
Prof. Nicholas Thomas, Director of MAA, said the return reflects years of sustained engagement and growing global consensus on repatriating artefacts taken during colonial violence. NCMM, operating under Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, manages 53 museums, 65 national monuments, and two World Heritage Sites across the country.
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