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Nigeria | Rückgabe der Benin-Bronzen in Abuja
Image: Florian Gaertner/photothek/IMAGO

Benin Bronzes

A large group of sculptures from the former Kingdom of Benin (modern-day Nigeria) that were stolen from British colonialists in 1897. They are at the center of a restitution process throughout Europe.

Skip next section Reports & Analysis

Reports & Analysis

David Adjaye: Man speaking into microphone.

David Adjaye: Star architect accused of sexual misconduct

David Adjaye: Star architect accused of sexual misconduct

The British-Ghanaian architect was set to design a UK Holocaust memorial and a home for the Benin Bronzes in Nigeria.
CultureJuly 5, 2023
Claudia Roth, Annalen Baerbock, Geoffrey Onyeama and Lai Momammed, who are all wearing white gloves, stand together and smile while a Benine Bronze is held up to the camera.

The unending controversy over the looted Benin Bronzes

The unending controversy over the looted Benin Bronzes

The restitution of Benin bronzes from Germany to Nigeria sparked a fiery debate. DW explains the differing perspectives.
CultureMay 24, 202301:30 min
A Benin Bronze, anicent African mask.

Critics fear Benin Bronzes could be privatized by royal heir

Critics fear Benin Bronzes could be privatized by royal heir

As Nigeria's President gives the artworks Oba Ewuare II, Germany stands by the decision to restitute the sculptures.
CultureMay 8, 2023
Blue gloves handling Benin Bronze

Benin Bronzes made of German brass

Benin Bronzes made of German brass

Many of the famous Benin Bronzes pillaged in 1897 are made from German brass manillas, new research shows.
ScienceApril 5, 2023
A sculpture of a face in bronze from Benin.

Pressure on London to restitute artworks grows

Pressure on London to restitute artworks grows

The British Museum is not ready to return stolen cultural property from the colonial era, but pressure is mounting.
ArtsFebruary 3, 2023
A Benin Bronze in a glass case

Germany returns looted Benin Bronzes to Nigeria

Germany returns looted Benin Bronzes to Nigeria

At a "historic" repatriation ceremony in Abuja, German officials returned 20 stolen Benin Bronzes to their homeland.
CultureDecember 20, 2022
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Skip next section In the spotlight

In the spotlight

an animal figure sculpted in ivory.

Germany returns Benin Bronzes to Nigeria

A groundbreaking step in looted art history: Germany transfers the ownership of 1,130 bronzes to Nigeria.
ArtsJuly 2, 2022
Two people stand next to a huge ancient sailing ship at the Humboldt Forum museum.

Humboldt Forum tackles colonial issue

Berlin's Humboldt Forum has reacted to criticism surrounding its handling of colonial history. Will critics approve?
ArtsSeptember 22, 2021