Nigerians Demand Return of Ancient Art to Benin

VoA - More than a century ago, as European powers competed for Africa’s resources, ancient art treasures from an ancient kingdom were stolen.

What was once the ancient Kingdom of Benin is now the heart of the Nigerian art world, with statues adorning the streets and an art museum in the Benin City town square.  But locals say the displayed art is only part of Benin’s collection.  They say British colonials stole nearly 4,000 pieces more than a century ago.

”Originally these objects belonged to the Benin people, and the Benin people want them back," stated Umogbai Theophilus, curator for Nigeria’s National Museum in Benin City. "So I am using this opportunity to send that message across that the objects taken away in 1897 through raw aggression by the Europeans should come back to their rightful owners, the Benins.”

Help cry out to the British to return these arts back to Nigeria.