On July 1, 2022, the German and Nigerian governments signed a Joint Declaration on the Return of Benin Bronzes and Bilateral Museum Cooperation. This paves the way for the unconditional transfer of ownership of the objects from Germany to Nigeria. Below, I have put together a non-exhaustive collection of writings and resources on this important event.
Resources
Click here for the text of the Joint Declaration on the Return of Benin Bronzes and Bilateral Museum Cooperation
Click here for a press released by the Federal Foreign Office of Germany the regarding the July 1 declaration
Click here for a statement released by UNESCO regarding the July 1 declaration
Click here for an overview of Benin bronzes created by the German Contact Point for Collections from Colonial Contexts
Click here for the latest Benin Dialogue Group statement, October 25, 2021
Click here for the British Museum’s description and statement concerning its Benin bronzes collection
Media Coverage and Previous Statements
Click here for selected media coverage in English and here for selected media coverage in German. This also includes statements/ opinions by leading figures in the museums and cultural heritage sectors.
Writing portfolio 