The Benin Bronzes: Who Created Them, Who Has Had Them When, Who’s Returning Them To Whom Now And Why

MFA Boston Restitutes Two Gifted Artifacts to Kingdom of Benin

The Museum of Fine Arts Boston has returned two works of art to the Kingdom of Benin after 12 years in its collection. The transfer was coordinated and facilitated by Dr. Arese Carrington, a member of the MFA’s Board of Advisors, who called the event in a statement “very significant.” “These two artifacts are being returned to the true and proper owner and back to a place where they have both cultural and spiritual value,” she stated. The …

The Benin Bronzes: Who Created Them, Who Has Had Them When, Who’s Returning Them To Whom Now And Why

The Netherlands turned over 119 objects to the Nigerian government, while the MFA Boston gave their two directly to the Oba of Benin. “As these two repatriations underscore, questions linger about who should rightfully receive them — the state or the Oba — as well as what restitution looks like in practice.” – Artnet

MFA Boston returns two works to Kingdom of Benin

The two artefacts are being restituted as part of the museum's closure of its Benin gallery, which had been donated by the billionaire collector Robert Lehman