Netherlands returns Benin artefact to Oba Ewuare II as the restitution of African cultural treasures gains momentum during his 10th coronation anniversary
The Kingdom of the Netherlands has returned a centuries-old Benin artefact to the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, in Benin City, Edo State, as part of activities marking the monarch’s 10th coronation anniversary on October 21, 2026, in a move that adds momentum to international efforts to restore African cultural heritage to its place of origin.
The artefact, which had been held in the collection of Museum de Fundatie in the Netherlands since 1937, was presented to the monarch by the museum’s executive director, Beatrice von Bormann, in the presence of Portugal’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Paulo Martins Santos.
The handover highlights renewed efforts by museums and governments to address the history of African cultural objects held in foreign collections and reconnect communities with artefacts of historical, cultural and spiritual significance.
Speaking during the presentation, von Bormann said investigations had traced the artefact’s origins to the 18th century.
She expressed satisfaction at its return to the Benin Kingdom, noting that the object had travelled across different parts of the world before reaching its place of origin.
She also explained that the artefact carried spiritual symbolism associated with reincarnation and Olokun, the Benin deity linked to the sea and wealth.
The return comes amid a broader international campaign to secure the restitution of African cultural treasures taken during colonial encounters.
The Benin Kingdom has been at the centre of these efforts, with historical objects from the former Benin Kingdom dispersed among museums and private collections across several countries.
Receiving the artefact, Oba Ewuare II reflected on the longstanding historical relationship between the Benin Kingdom and Portugal, recalling contacts between the two societies dating back to the 15th century.
The monarch said early encounters included efforts to introduce Catholicism into the kingdom but stressed that the Benin people had maintained their traditional religious beliefs and spiritual practices.
“We have a very unique link with the Portuguese. When I was told that the Portuguese Ambassador was around, it was like telepathy, because I had been thinking already about Portugal,” Oba Ewuare II said.
The monarch also expressed surprise at learning that the Vatican recognised African traditional religions, describing the development as significant to wider discussions about the recognition of indigenous African spirituality.
The presentation added historical and cultural significance to the celebrations marking Oba Ewuare II’s 10th coronation anniversary, while drawing attention to the role of restitution in preserving the identity and heritage of the Benin Kingdom.
The return of the artefact also reinforces calls for continued cooperation between African institutions and international museums to establish the origins of disputed objects and facilitate their return where appropriate.
For the Benin Kingdom, the recovery represents more than the return of an old object. It offers an opportunity to preserve historical knowledge, sustain cultural traditions and pass an important part of the kingdom’s heritage to future generations.
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