Repatriation of artefacts from the British Museum

By Tanya Hadzhieva.  

In recent headlines, shocking news have emerged regarding the theft of 2,000 items from the revered British Museum, a bastion of global heritage. This revelation casts doubt on the museum's role as the self-proclaimed custodian of the world's treasures. Meanwhile, tensions between the UK and Greece have escalated as Prime Minister Rishi Sunak abruptly cancelled a meeting with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, reportedly due to the latter's intention to push for the repatriation of the Parthenon sculptures. 

In light of recent events, it is imperative to revisit the principles underlying the British Museum Act of 1963 and consider whether they align with contemporary notions of cultural equity, restitution, and decolonization. As calls for the repatriation of looted artifacts grow louder, museums like the British Museum face a reckoning with their colonial legacies and must chart a path forward that respects the rights and dignity of all stakeholders involved. Only then can these revered institutions truly fulfil their mandate as custodians of global heritage in the 21st century. The acquisition of artifacts from Benin by the British Museum primarily occurred in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly during the Benin Punitive Expedition of 1897.

The kingdom of Benin, located in what is now Nigeria, was known for its rich cultural and artistic heritage. According to Prince Randy Sogan,

 the battle to repatriate the artefacts is still ongoing and has been for a very long time. The country has started preparing by creating a museum to host the artefacts with the right environment to preserve them. Here are the highlights of the interview with Prince Randy Sogan, interviewed by Tanya Hadzhieva.  

 What history do these artifacts represent? Especially national spirit and honour? 

 ‘’These artifacts represent the rich and complex history of the Kingdom of Dahomey, which was a major political, military and economic power in West Africa from the seventeenth to the nineteenth centuries. The artifacts reflect the dynastic history of the kings and the queen mothers, who ruled the kingdom with absolute authority and divine sanction. They also show the social history of the kingdom, such as the roles of different classes, guilds, warriors, and slaves. The artifacts also reveal the kingdom's relationships with neighbouring kingdoms, states, and societies, as well as its involvement in the international slave trade and its contacts with Europeans, especially the French, who colonized the region in the late nineteenth century. The artifacts are symbols of the national spirit and honour of the Fon people, who take pride in their artistic and cultural heritage. They are also expressions of the religious and cosmological beliefs of the kingdom, which was influenced by vodun, a form of animism that worships various spirits and deities.’’ Prince Randy Sogan  

  How do the British Museum acquire these artifacts? Through what channel or by a special period of time?  

‘’The British Museum acquired some of these artifacts through a series of events that occurred in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The first event was the French conquest of Dahomey in 1892-1894, which resulted in the capture and exile of the last king, Behanzin, and the looting and destruction of many of the royal palaces and temples. Some of the looted objects were taken by the French soldiers and officials, while others were given to the British as gifts or exchanged for other goods. The second event was the British punitive expedition to Benin (not to be confused with Dahomey) in 1897, which also involved the sacking and burning of the city and the looting of thousands of artworks, including some from Dahomey. Some of the looted objects were sold at auctions in London to cover the costs of the expedition, while others were distributed among the British officers and soldiers who participated in the raid. The third event was the donation or bequest of some of the objects by private collectors or institutions to the British Museum over the years. The museum currently holds over 200 objects from the Kingdom of Dahomey, making it one of the largest collections of Dahomey Art in the world.’’ Prince Randy Sogan