Today, Explained Africa wants its stuff back
Dec 7, 2021
Nazmat Badomasi, a foreign policy writer based between London and Lagos, dives into the urgent conversation about the Benin bronzes. She discusses the historical injustices behind their acquisition and Nigeria's ongoing struggle for repatriation. Badomasi shares her emotional connection to these artifacts, emphasizing their cultural significance and the need for acknowledgment of colonial wrongs. The podcast highlights the broader issue of African cultural heritage residing predominantly in European museums and the impact of this loss on identity and representation.
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Killmonger's Heist
- In Black Panther, Killmonger steals artifacts from a British Museum-like setting.
- He highlights the injustice of their acquisition, sparking a conversation about repatriation.
Museum Reckoning
- Museums worldwide face a reckoning regarding stolen art in their collections.
- Recent examples include the return of looted artifacts by institutions like the Met and the Denver Art Museum.
Benin Bronzes Looting
- The Benin Bronzes, a collection of artifacts from the Kingdom of Benin (Nigeria), were looted in 1897.
- British forces stole approximately 3,000 artifacts after a punitive expedition, later displaying them in museums and selling them.