The Netherlands will return more than 100 bronze artifacts to Nigeria
The Netherlands will return 119 Benin Bronzes to Nigeria nearly 130 years after the pieces were stolen by the British and sold to the Dutch.
“This restitution contributes to redressing a historical injustice that is still being felt today,” said Eppo Bruins, the Dutch minister of education, culture and science, who approved the decision to return the artifacts at Nigeria’s request.
The largest collection being repatriated, totaling 113 pieces, consists of plaques, personal ornaments and figures. An additional six pieces will also be returned to Nigeria by the Dutch city of Rotterdam, according to the government of the Netherlands: a bell, three relief plaques, a coconut casing and a staff.
“Cultural heritage is essential for telling and living the history of a country and a community. The Benin Bronzes are indispensable to Nigeria. It is good that they are going back,” Bruins said.
The so-called Benin Bronzes were stolen from Nigeria’s Kingdom of Benin by British soldiers in 1897. The British went on to sell their spoils, and the treasures made their way to the Dutch government.
The decision to return the cultural pieces is part of a broader conversation happening across the globe regarding treasures stolen from countries such as India and Nigeria during the height of European imperialism.
The Netherlands government said this is the fifth time the country has repatriated goods informed by research tracing their history, and that they are currently investigating requests submitted by Sri Lanka, India and Indonesia.
“We thank the Netherlands for their cooperation and hope this will set a good example for other nations of the world in terms of repatriation of lost or looted antiquities,” Olugbile Holloway, director-general of the Nigerian National Commission for Museums and Monuments, said in a statement.
How good was the forecast? Texas officials and the National Weather Service disagree
As searchers continue to look for victims in the deadly flash flooding in Texas, officials are answering questions about the weather forecasts ahead of and during the storm.
Video: Timelapse Shows Texas’ Llano River Completely Flood in Just Minutes
Timelapse video shows authorities blocking off a low water crossing over the Llano River in Kingsland just before flash flooding completely inundated the area in just 10 minutes.
Musk forms new party after split with Trump over tax and spending bill
Musk said he's carrying out his threat to form a new political party after a falling out with Trump over the president's sweeping tax cuts law.
Knives, bullets and thieves: the quest for food in Gaza
NPR's Gaza producer faced Israeli military fire, private U.S. contractors pointing laser beams at his forehead and masked thieves as he tried to get food from a U.S.-supported group.
4 things to know about the vaccine ingredient thimerosal
Advisers to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended against flu shots containing the ingredient thimerosal. Why is the additive, safely used since the 1930s, being questioned again?
Tropical Storm Chantal strengthens slightly as it nears landfall in South Carolina
Tropical Storm Chantal grew in strength as it approached the southeast U.S. coast. It's forecasted to bring heavy rains to parts of the Carolinas on Sunday.