by Lara Massó
This podcast thematises the looted art of Benin.The land of the Kingdom of Benin was subsumed into present-day Nigeria – a nation whose borders were drawn by colonial powers rather than by African political realities. Even though Benin was made a British colony, it has been closely intertwined with German colonial history. The podcast explores the history of the Benin Bronzes, then delves into their looting during the colonialism, and finally examines the ongoing efforts to enable their rightful return home.The Benin Bronzes were looted and dispersed across the world – though predominantly to Europe. An estimated 10,000 Benin artefacts exist, of which around 5,000 are listed in registers; some 1,300 of these are registered in Germany alone. Only 400 artefacts remain in Nigeria.