After years of painstaking negotiations, the Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty Oba Ewuare II, has triumphantly welcomed the return of two priceless Benin artefacts that were looted and spirited away to the United States decades ago.
The artefacts, which include a bronze plaque and a carved ivory tusk, were formally presented to the Oba of Benin during a ceremony held in Benin City on July 15, 2024. The US custodian who had possession of the items offered a sincere apology for their unlawful acquisition and expressed remorse for holding onto the stolen cultural treasures, in conjunction with the heartfelt admission by Mr Cory Gundlach, the Curator of African Art at the Stanley Museum in Iowa, United States, who expressed regret for using the artefacts as teaching materials at the university without the consent of their rightful owners.
Oba Ewuare II expressed his gratitude upon receiving the artefacts, emphasizing their importance in restoring the cultural heritage of the Benin Kingdom. He noted that such repatriations are essential for healing historical wounds and rebuilding the cultural identity of his people.
This repatriation comes amid growing global momentum for the return of looted African cultural heritage. Governments, museums, and private collectors worldwide have faced increasing pressure to return artefacts that were acquired through unethical means during the colonial era.
Meanwhile, this is the second time in two months that the Oba has welcomed the return of looted artefacts. On May 18, 2024, he received two artefacts from Germany, which were amongst those taken during the 1897 expedition.
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