Nigeria’s Museum Agrees with Royal Ruler on Custody of Benin Bronzes 

Examples of Benin bronzes which, together with collections such as the Parthenon sculptures, are the subject of talks of their return to countries of origin, are displayed at the British Museum in London, Britain, January 25, 2023. (Reuters) 
Examples of Benin bronzes which, together with collections such as the Parthenon sculptures, are the subject of talks of their return to countries of origin, are displayed at the British Museum in London, Britain, January 25, 2023. (Reuters) 
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Nigeria’s Museum Agrees with Royal Ruler on Custody of Benin Bronzes 

Examples of Benin bronzes which, together with collections such as the Parthenon sculptures, are the subject of talks of their return to countries of origin, are displayed at the British Museum in London, Britain, January 25, 2023. (Reuters) 
Examples of Benin bronzes which, together with collections such as the Parthenon sculptures, are the subject of talks of their return to countries of origin, are displayed at the British Museum in London, Britain, January 25, 2023. (Reuters) 

Nigeria's national museum commission will be responsible for retrieving and keeping priceless Benin Bronzes, taking on the task with the assent of the royal ruler appointed sole owner and custodian of the objects nearly two years ago, its head said.

Nigeria is on a quest to recover thousands of intricate bronze sculptures and castings that were looted by British soldiers during a raid on the then-separate Kingdom of Benin, located in what is now southwestern Nigeria, in 1897.

The stolen bronzes are among Africa's finest and most significant heritage objects and are mostly in Europe.

In March 2023, then-president Muhammadu Buhari signed a decree saying the Oba, or king, of the historic kingdom of Benin rightfully owned all returned Benin Bronzes and was responsible for managing all places where the artifacts are kept.

Olugbile Holloway, director general of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), told Reuters that the Oba did not have the infrastructure to care for the bronzes.

"So, the Oba has given the NCMM the blessing to display, conserve and to pursue reparation of these objects. So, there is no more ambiguity," said Holloway.

In 2023 the NCMM had said the University of Cambridge's Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology put on hold plans to return more than 100 artifacts after the government decree.

Holloway, however, said it was now a matter of time before an agreement would be reached with Cambridge University for the artifacts' return.

"The return of these objects is not just about displaying them in the museum or taking care of them. It is about the dignity of our people and undoing the injustice of 1897," he said.



Historic Jeddah Ramadan Season Celebrates Traditional Crafts, Cultural Heritage

Historic Jeddah Ramadan Season celebrates traditional crafts and cultural heritage. (SPA)
Historic Jeddah Ramadan Season celebrates traditional crafts and cultural heritage. (SPA)
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Historic Jeddah Ramadan Season Celebrates Traditional Crafts, Cultural Heritage

Historic Jeddah Ramadan Season celebrates traditional crafts and cultural heritage. (SPA)
Historic Jeddah Ramadan Season celebrates traditional crafts and cultural heritage. (SPA)

The Ramadan Season in Historic Jeddah highlights traditional handicrafts, celebrating their significant historical and cultural legacy. Visitors have the opportunity to explore a wide range of handmade products that symbolize the Kingdom’s rich heritage as skilled artisans provide live demonstrations, including pottery-making and other traditional crafts.

Workshops designed to teach these valuable skills help promote cultural awareness and appreciation.
The event aligns with the Year of Handicrafts 2025 initiative, underscoring the importance of traditional crafts as a cornerstone of Saudi cultural identity both locally and internationally, the Saudi Press Agency said on Friday.
The season also includes family-friendly activities, interactive entertainment, and guided historical walking tours through Historic Jeddah's neighborhoods, immersing visitors in an authentic and spiritual Ramadan experience while connecting younger generations with Saudi traditions.