Making good on a recent pledge, the Smithsonian Institution will repatriate Benin Bronzes in its collection to their homeland of Nigeria:
In total, “most” of the institution’s 39 bronzes, many of which were looted by British soldiers in the notorious raid of Benin’s royal palace in 1897, will be deaccessioned, a spokesperson told Artnet News.
As part of the agreement, the Smithsonian will pay for the transport of the artifacts and fund education programs for Nigerians. In turn, some objects will return to Washington on long-term loans and for shared exhibitions, including a planned show at the Smithsonian curated by Nigerians.
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