One of the 116 objects Cambridge University has transferred to Nigeria. An employee looks at examples of Benin bronzes displayed at the British Museum in London. British soldiers and sailors took more than 5000 brass and bronze castings and ivory carvings — known collectively as the Benin bronzes. Thomas said the Labour government has "disappointed people across the cultural sector" by not trying to amend the British Museum Act, and similar laws. • Barnaby Phillips is the author of Loot: Britain and the Benin Bronzes and The African Kingdom of Gold: Britain and the Asante Treasure.

Source: Otago Daily Times February 15, 2026 16:02 UTC