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. WHERE ARE THEY NOW? These 26 artifacts are currently in the collections at the Museum of the Epic of the Amazons and the Kings of Danhomè in Abomey, Benin. It is set to open in 2027, and all of these artifacts will be displayed.