U.S. activists oppose return of Benin objects

A civil rights group in New York, USA, Restitution Study Group, has petitioned the United Kingdom’s Charity Commission to reject the repatriation of looted Benin objects to Nigeria because the West African nation also “profited from slavery.”

“The Horniman Public Museum and Public Park Trust is misguided in trying to return the Benin Bronzes to the descendants of slave traders.

So are all other charitable organizations trying to do the same (i.e. Pitt Rivers Museum).” The petition from the Restitution Study Group comes after the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge announced their intention to return the prized Bronzes to Nigeria.

The artworks can only be returned after the Charity Commission gives the green light.

The Restitution Study Group, which undertakes legal initiatives to have descendants of African slaves receive reparations, wants the objects to remain in UK museums.

History Reclaimed has the letter of the Restitution Study Group to the British Charity Commission.