Africa’s stolen treasures, a thread
It has been estimated by UNESCO experts that 90% of Africa’s cultural heritage is overseas.
Paris’ Quai Branly museum alone has around 70,000 pieces originating from sub-Saharan Africa. cnn.it/2QnobdP
Paris’ Quai Branly museum alone has around 70,000 pieces originating from sub-Saharan Africa. cnn.it/2QnobdP
Here are some Benin bronzes on display at the British Museum in London.
The collection was looted wholesale in 1897 when the British army sacked the palace of the once-mighty Kingdom of Benin, in present day Edo State, Nigeria.
(Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)
The collection was looted wholesale in 1897 when the British army sacked the palace of the once-mighty Kingdom of Benin, in present day Edo State, Nigeria.
(Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)
The Nigerian government has intermittently pressed claims for restitution of the bronzes, which the museums have resisted. cnn.it/2BD0uWQ
More than a 100 years after the priceless artifacts were looted from Nigeria,
some of the Benin bronzes are heading back home: cnn.it/2TQvoSN
some of the Benin bronzes are heading back home: cnn.it/2TQvoSN
France is set to return 26 stolen artifacts to the Republic of Benin.
The pieces have been in France’s possession for 126 years, ever since they were taken from the palace of King Behanzin. cnn.it/2P1AQ1E
The pieces have been in France’s possession for 126 years, ever since they were taken from the palace of King Behanzin. cnn.it/2P1AQ1E
French President Emmanuel Macron, who gave the order for the return said last year: “Starting today, and within the next five years, I want to see the conditions put in place so as to allow for the temporary or definitive restitution of African cultural heritage to Africa.”
