The British Museum has accepted a bronze plaque made by an artist from Benin City in Nigeria, who said he felt this was a possible first step towards the museum's return of the priceless Benin Bronzes that were looted by British troops in 1897.
A founding member of Ahiamwen, a new guild of Benin City bronze casters and artists, Zeickner-Okoro wanted to change the terms of the debate by offering the museum contemporary artworks untainted by any history of looting.
"Part of the crime that's been committed is that Benin has been portrayed as this dead civilisation," he said."The reparation is not just returning the Bronzes. It's also acknowledging us, that we're a living civilisation.
"It's historic, it's really significant. I think it's definitely going to open the door for the return of the loot," said Zeickner-Okoro.Germany has said it wants to return Benin Bronzes from its museums to Nigeria. The British Museum, which holds the largest and most significant collection of the items, has made no clear commitment despite demands from the Oba, or king, of Benin.
It says on its website it is"committed to active engagement with Nigerian institutions concerning the Benin Bronzes" and speaks of"new opportunities for sharing and displaying objects from the Kingdom of Benin".
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