The famous Benin bronzes

Benin Bronzes are a group of more than a thousand metal plaques and sculptures that decorated the royal palace of the Kingdom of Benin in modern-day Nigeria. These artifacts were created by the Edo people from the 13th century onwards and are known for their intricate craftsmanship and historical significance. Although they are referred to as “bronzes”, many of the artifacts are actually made of brass. The pieces were made using the lost wax casting process, which involves creating a wax model, covering it with clay, and then melting away the wax to pour molten metal into the mold. The Benin Bronzes were part of the art of the royal court and were used to decorate the palace, commemorate historical events, and honor the Oba (king) and other important figures. They offer valuable insight into the history, culture, and society of the Kingdom of Benin. In 1897, a British military expedition attacked and sacked the city of Benin. Yes, that is correct. In 1897, a British military expedition launched an attack on the city of Benin in what is now Nigeria. This attack is known as the "Benin Expedition" or "Punitive Expedition against Benin" and had far-reaching consequences for the Kingdom of Benin and its cultural heritage. The immediate cause of the expedition was an attack on a British delegation en route to Benin. The delegation was attacked by warriors of the Kingdom of Benin, killing several British officers and African porters. This event was viewed by the British as a provocation and used as justification for military intervention. In February, British troops consisting of about 1,200 soldiers entered the city of Benin. The city was captured, and the Oba (king) of Benin, Ovonramwen Nogbaisi, was deposed and exiled. Oba Ovonramwen Nogbaisi, also known as Overami, was the 35th Ọba of the Kingdom of Benin and ruled from about 1888 to 1897. He was born around 1857 to Ọba Adọlọ and took his royal name, which means "The Rising Sun" and "that spreads over everything", at his coronation1. His reign was marked by resistance to British colonial expansion. He was exiled to Calabar. He died in January 1914. The British looted the royal palace and took thousands of art objects, including the famous Benin bronzes

, but also ivory carvings, wooden artifacts and other cultural objects. The Kingdom of Benin lost its independence and became part of the British colonial territory in Nigeria. The events of 1897 are an important part of colonial history and raise questions about the return of cultural property and the reckoning with colonial injustices. Thousands of artifacts, including the Benin Bronzes, were looted and later sold or donated to museums and private collections around the world. This event is often cited as a significant example of colonial looting. In recent years, there has been growing pressure on museums and institutions to return the Benin Bronzes to Nigeria. Several institutions, including the Smithsonian Institution and the University of Aberdeen, have committed to repatriating their Benin Bronzes collections. Nigeria is also building the Edo Museum of West African Art in Benin City to house returned artifacts. The Benin Bronzes are considered masterpieces of African art and are highly valued for their artistic and historical significance. They are also emblematic of the broader issues surrounding heritage restitution and the legacy of colonialism. The Benin Bronzes continue to be at the centre of discussions about heritage, restitution and the impact of colonialism on African art and history.