BERLIN — Germany and Nigeria on Friday signed an agreement paving the way for the return of hundreds of artifacts known as the Benin Bronzes that were taken from Africa more than 120 years ago — an accord that Nigerian officials hope will prompt other countries to follow suit. The Nigerian government, which in recent years has stepped up its demands for the return of the Benin Bronzes, said the accord would pave way for the return of 1,130 pieces. He added that he expects the move to “become a harbinger of more repatriation of cultural property.”Germany last year announced its intention to return the Benin Bronzes that ended up there. Germany is helping Nigeria set up a new museum in Benin City where bronzes will be displayed in the future, Baerbock said. Hundreds of objects from the Kingdom of Benin remain in the British Museum in London, which has resisted calls to return them.

Source: The North Africa Journal July 02, 2022 06:27 UTC