Benin’s Treasures Return Home
The French government returned Benin artworks to their home country in 2021, nearly 130 years after they were stolen by colonial forces. This is a news report dated February 19, 2022.
In a momentous event, 26 pieces from Benin are finally back where they belong. These treasures are now on display in an exhibition called “Benin Art Yesterday and Today” at the presidential palace in Cotonou.
These treasures were taken from Benin in 1892 by French colonial forces, during the time when Benin was known as Dahomey. This return marks an important step in addressing historical wrongs and recovering a part of Benin’s rich cultural heritage.
The exhibition starts with a display of the thrones of Dahomey, including the wooden and metal throne of King Ghezo. The dark walls of the room are designed to make one feel the importance of the ancient artifacts.
One of the exhibition guides said, “Since the king’s throne was placed here, I haven’t stopped thinking about it. I had already seen it in the Quai Branly Museum in France, but to see it here, it brings back part of our soul and connects with our history.”
The return of the treasures has led to a plan to increase Benin’s investment in culture. In the coming four years, a substantial investment will be made in the country’s cultural facilities, including the building of four world-class museums.
French President Emmanuel Macron has been leading the efforts to return African cultural treasures. He has admitted the wrongs of European colonization and promised to “return African heritage to Africa.”
Discussions are also taking place to bring back other important objects. In 2020, the French government passed a law that allows Paris to return stolen artifacts, not only to Benin but also to Senegal, another former French colony.
According to a report requested by Macron, French museums hold around 90,000 African works, with 70,000 of them at the Quai Branly alone. The return of 26 artworks to Benin has raised hopes that other European countries will take similar steps.
The French government returned Benin artworks to their home country in 2021, nearly 130 years after they were stolen by colonial forces. This is a news report dated February 19, 2022.
In a momentous event, 26 pieces from Benin are finally back where they belong. These treasures are now on display in an exhibition called “Benin Art Yesterday and Today” at the presidential palace in Cotonou.
These treasures were taken from Benin in 1892 by French colonial forces, during the time when Benin was known as Dahomey. This return marks an important step in addressing historical wrongs and recovering a part of Benin’s rich cultural heritage.
The exhibition starts with a display of the thrones of Dahomey, including the wooden and metal throne of King Ghezo. The dark walls of the room are designed to make one feel the importance of the ancient artifacts.
One of the exhibition guides said, “Since the king’s throne was placed here, I haven’t stopped thinking about it. I had already seen it in the Quai Branly Museum in France, but to see it here, it brings back part of our soul and connects with our history.”
The return of the treasures has led to a plan to increase Benin’s investment in culture. In the coming four years, a substantial investment will be made in the country’s cultural facilities, including the building of four world-class museums.
French President Emmanuel Macron has been leading the efforts to return African cultural treasures. He has admitted the wrongs of European colonization and promised to “return African heritage to Africa.”
Discussions are also taking place to bring back other important objects. In 2020, the French government passed a law that allows Paris to return stolen artifacts, not only to Benin but also to Senegal, another former French colony.
According to a report requested by Macron, French museums hold around 90,000 African works, with 70,000 of them at the Quai Branly alone. The return of 26 artworks to Benin has raised hopes that other European countries will take similar steps.