Big royal statues of the Kingdom of Dahomey dating back to 1890-1892 are pictured on June 18, 2018 at the Quai Branly Museum-Jacques Chirac in Paris. - Benin is demanding restitution of its national treasures that had been taken from the former French colony Dahomey (current Benin) to France and currently are on display at Quai Branly, a museum featuring the indigenous art and cultures of Africa. (Photo by GERARD JULIEN / AFP) (Photo credit should read GERARD JULIEN/AFP/Getty Images)

Year of Object(s) Creation:
Estimated Value ($USD):
Object Type(s): Building, Carving, Figurine, Furniture, Panel, Statue, Throne
Object Material(s): animal product, bone, paint, wood
Provenience Nation: Benin
Provenience Location: Benin
Year Removed from Findspot: 1892

Provenance
Start Year: 2021
End Year:
Circumstance of Acquisition:
Nation: Benin
Location: Ouidah Museum of History, Benin
Start Year: 1892
End Year: 2021
Circumstance of Acquisition: Pursuant to French colonizing expedition
Nation: France
Location: Musée du quai Branly, Paris
Start Year:
End Year: 1892
Circumstance of Acquisition:
Nation: Benin
Location: Royal Palaces of Abomey, Benin

26 Benin Artifacts


Description:


Case Status: Object(s) relinquished
Year Claim Initiated: 2021
Year Claim Resolved: 2021
Means of Resolution: Action by Respondent's Govt.

Complainant Name: Government of Benin
Complainant Nation: Benin
Complainant Nation Economy: Developing
Complainant Type: Public: Government

Respondent Name: Musee du Quai Branly, Paris
Respondent Nation: France
Respondent Nation Economy: Developed
Respondent Type: Private: Institution

Reference Links:

Files:

Editor's Notes:
Includes wooden effigy of King Behanzin depicted as half-man-half-shark, two elaborate wooden thrones, four painted gates from the palace, and more. Editor: Eliza Rodi.