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Berlin / Hamburg (dpa) - The Benin Dialogue Group, formed by international museums and experts, sees decisive steps for the restitution of Benin bronzes from the holdings of European museums.
The looting of Benin City in 1897 was the main source of art objects that are now in museums around the world, according to a communication from the association that was circulated in Berlin on Friday.
Following the recent debate in Germany, the Benin Dialogue Group pointed out that discussions about permanent returns developed at different speeds in the various participating countries.
The Benin Dialogue Group sees the more specific plans for the Edo Museum of West African Arts in Benin City and agreements between participating institutions in Nigeria as decisive steps for the future acceptance, exhibition and storage of returned works of art.
The Benin Dialogue Group was founded in 2010. The initiative brings together museums from Germany, Great Britain, the Netherlands, Austria and Sweden with Nigerian partners and representatives of the royal court of Benin.
The initiative is led by Barbara Plankensteiner, director of the Hamburg Museum am Rothenbaum,
Cultures and Arts of the World.
The Ethnological Museum is a member of Berlin.
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Benin bronzes can also be found in numerous German museums.
According to current plans, they are to play a central role in the Berlin Humboldt Forum.
The Ethnological Museum has around 530 historical objects from the Kingdom of Benin, including around 440 bronzes.
Most of the objects came from the British looting in 1897.
© dpa-infocom, dpa: 210326-99-983041 / 3
Humboldt Forum
Statement Benin Dialogue Group