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Netherlands to Return 113 Stolen Benin Bronzes to Nigeria

The Netherlands has joined a growing list of European nations returning culturally significant artifacts to Africa; it has agreed to repatriate 113 stolen Benin bronzes to Nigeria.

In a formal agreement signed between the Dutch education minister and Nigeria's National Commission for Museums and Monuments, the Netherlands pledged to return 119 artifacts, including placards, pendants, and figurines, currently housed at the Wereldmuseum in Leiden. The artifacts are expected to arrive in Nigeria later this year.

Dutch Minister Eppo Bruins said that the restitution aims to address historical injustices tied to colonial-era looting.

Nigeria is seeking the return of thousands of intricate bronze sculptures and castings that were looted by British soldiers during the 1897 raid on the Kingdom of Benin. Several other countries have returned artifacts, including the United States, Germany, and the United Kingdom.

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Stolen Benin bronze.

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