Germany will return looted Nigerian artifacts in 2022

[Supersonic 49,376]

Precious artifacts that were looted during the colonial era will finally be returned to Nigeria, the German government has announced. The first returns are planned for 2022.

In a joint declaration published Thursday, Germany's Ministry of Culture, state ministers and museum directors committed to "substantive returns" of Benin bronzes -- artworks made of bronze, brass and ivory that were taken by the British army in a raid on the Kingdom of Benin, in present-day Nigeria, in 1897.

The bronzes were subsequently distributed across the world and hundreds are currently held in German museums. Nigeria has sought their return for decades.

Osaisonor Godfrey Ekhator-Obogie, a historian and researcher at Nigeria's Institute for Benin Studies, welcomed the declaration, saying that Germany is "leading in the global restitution movement."

"Other European nations should be willing and open to acknowledge that all objects looted in 1897 belong to the Benin people," he said over email. "Like Germany, they too should initiate or join the dialogue to discuss the future of these objects.

German Culture Minister Monika Grütters described the declaration as a "historic milestone."

"We face a historic and moral responsibility to shine a light on Germany's colonial past," said Grütters in a statement. "We would like to contribute to an understanding and reconciliation with the descendants of the people who were robbed of their cultural treasures during the colonial era."

source: https://edition.cnn.com/style/article/benin-bronzes-germany-restitution/index.html

[PunkTheFunk 125,715]

Good. Now it's your turn, Britain.

[ANVEEROY 65,231]

4 minutes ago, PunkTheFunk said:

Good. Now it's your turn, Britain.

Yes, when we are getting back the Koh-i-Noor, Britain! 

[FentyGa 14,340]

about time

[flyaway 15,350]

When will the UK, France and Spain?

[ZiggyZiggs 30,067]

Everyone needs to do this

[littlepotter 76,613]

That's a good first step