A Landmark Return of Benin Artifacts by MFA Boston
MFA Boston completes the return of Benin artifacts looted in 1897, restoring two historic treasures to Nigeria in a powerful act of cultural restitution.
BY ARTCENTRON NEWS
NEW YORK, NY— The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (MFA), has officially completed the return of Benin artifacts looted during the 1897 British invasion of the Kingdom of Benin. The handover took place in New York City at Nigeria House, the country’s permanent mission to the United Nations and its consulate.
Recently, His Royal Highness Prince Aghatise Erediauwa and H.E. Ambassador Samson Itegboje received the artifacts in a ceremony. They received them on behalf of His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II, the traditional ruler of Benin.
The Cultural Significance of the Return of Benin Artifacts
The return of Benin artifacts is a powerful act of restitution, correcting a chapter of colonial injustice. These pieces are more than art—they are vital expressions of identity, history, and spiritual heritage for the Edo people of Nigeria.
Dr. Arese Carrington, a member of the MFA Board of Advisors, played a crucial role in organizing this repatriation. She emphasized the emotional and cultural weight of the return: “These artifacts are going back to their rightful place, where they carry meaning far beyond the material.”
Details of the Returned Artworks
Two key works were included in the return of Benin artifacts:
- A 16th–17th-century terracotta and iron Commemorative Head
- A 16th-century bronze relief plaque showing two officials with raised swords
British forces originally stole both pieces during the 1897 raid on Benin. By 1899, the Commemorative Head had entered the London art market and passed through the hands of art dealers William Cutter and William Downing Webster.
A British Crown Agent of the British protectorate that led the invasion sold the Relief Plaque in 1898, and Augustus Pitt-Rivers later purchased it. After the Pitt Rivers Museum in England closed in the 1960s, curators dispersed the items. Their movement across continents reflects a long and painful history of cultural loss.
These artworks made their way through private collections before landing at the MFA. American collector Robert Owen Lehman donated them to the museum in 2013 and 2018.
Officials and Partners in the Return Ceremony
The return of these artworks was the result of collaboration between Nigerian and American institutions. Several dignitaries attended the ceremony marking the return of Benin artifacts, including:
- H.E. Ambassador Abubakar Jidda, Nigeria’s Consul General in New York
- Matthew Teitelbaum, Ann and Graham Gund Director of the MFA
- Pierre Terjanian, MFA’s Chief of Curatorial Affairs and Conservation
- Victoria Reed, MFA’s Senior Curator for Provenance
- Members of the Benin community—based in New York
Members of the Benin community in New York also participated in this historic return of Benin artifacts. Their presence reinforced the importance of the event and the global responsibility to restore looted cultural treasures.
MFA Boston’s Statement on the Return of Benin Artifacts
Matthew Teitelbaum acknowledged the MFA’s role in preserving these pieces while they were in the museum’s care. “We are proud to return these exceptional works to the people of Benin,” he said, noting that their rightful home is where they hold cultural and spiritual meaning.
Officials described the return of the Benin artifacts as both a moral obligation and an opportunity to strengthen international cooperation and cultural diplomacy. Praised for her dedication, Dr. Carrington worked closely with Nigerian diplomats to facilitate the repatriation of the Benin Bronzes.
Tracing the Path of the Artifacts
Though these two works are back with their rightful owners, three other Benin artworks remain in the MFA’s collection. Their provenance is still under review. Traced to Western markets from the late 20th century, it’s unclear how they left Benin.
The museum remains committed to transparency and ethical stewardship as part of the broader Benin Bronzes repatriation initiative.
Ongoing Research and Future Restitutions
Three more Benin artifacts remain in the MFA’s collection. Their origin is still under investigation. They appeared in Western markets during the 20th century. However, it is unclear when or how they were removed from Benin. The MFA continues research as part of its ethical commitment to provenance transparency.
The return of Benin artifacts is not the end but a beginning in the broader effort to restore African heritage and confront the legacy of colonial exploitation.
Global Impact of Benin Bronze Repatriation
The Benin Bronzes repatriation movement has gained momentum worldwide. Museums across Europe and the U.S. are being urged to return looted African artifacts. This effort not only restores art but also repairs historical wounds inflicted by colonial exploitation.
Each returned piece strengthens the cultural identity of the Benin people and sets a precedent for responsible museum practices.
A Turning Point in Cultural Restitution
The MFA Boston’s actions mark a defining moment in the global Benin Bronzes repatriation campaign. With the return of these two masterpieces, history begins to heal, and the Benin Kingdom regains part of its sacred legacy.
This is not just a return—it is restoration, recognition, and respect. The journey of these artifacts back home is a powerful symbol of what true cultural restitution looks like.
This event is part of a growing global movement advocating for the return of Benin artifacts and other looted artworks from Africa. Museums around the world are facing increasing pressure to return stolen objects and reevaluate their collections.
By returning these pieces, the MFA Boston has set a powerful precedent in cultural accountability and historical justice.
- Featured Image: From left: H.E. Ambassador Abubakar Jidda, Consul General of Nigeria; Victoria Reed, Senior Curator for Provenance, MFA; Pierre Terjanian, Chief of Curatorial Affairs and Conservation, MFA; H.E. Ambassador Samson Itegboje of the Embassy of Nigeria; Matthew Teitelbaum, Ann and Graham Gund Director, MFA; His Royal Highness Prince Aghatise Erediauwa; Dr. Arese Carrington. Photograph by Andy Henderson. Courtesy Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.
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