In 1897, the mudfish also began its long journey, which would take it from Paris to the Dutch city of Zwolle in the thirties of the last century.
The antique plaque probably once adorned a palace in the Edo Empire and came to London as spoils of war.
In 1937, art pope Dirk Hannema – the founder of what is now museum De Fundatie – bought the fish from an Amsterdam dealer. He got it from Parisian colleague, Raton.
The fish will be given a grand escort by ten Nigerian artists who, at the request of De Fundatie, have created new work inspired by the stolen bronzes.
On Friday 20 February, the exhibition Back to Benin opens, with the mudfish as the significant centrepiece.
