Benin kingdom court style; Nigeria; 19th century; Copper alloy; H x W x D: 38.1 x 24.4 x 27 cm (15 x 9 5/8 x 10 5/8 in.)

Year of Object(s) Creation: 1600 (approximate)
Estimated Value ($USD):
Object Type(s): Carving, Casting, Plaque or Tablet, Sculpture
Object Material(s): animal product, bronze, ivory, metal, wood
Provenience Nation: Benin
Provenience Location: Nigeria
Year Removed from Findspot:

Provenance
Start Year: 2022
End Year:
Circumstance of Acquisition: returned by Smithsonian
Nation: Nigeria
Location: National Commission for Museums and Monuments in Nigeria (some will remain at Smithsonian under loan)
Start Year:
End Year: 2022
Circumstance of Acquisition: mostly donated by various individuals
Nation: United States
Location: Smithsonian National Museum of African Art
Start Year: 1897
End Year:
Circumstance of Acquisition: stolen during British raid
Nation: United Kingdom
Location:
Start Year:
End Year: 1897
Circumstance of Acquisition:
Nation: Nigeria
Location: Benin City, Nigeria

29 Benin Bronze Artifacts


Description:


Case Status: Object(s) relinquished
Year Claim Initiated:
Year Claim Resolved: 2022
Means of Resolution: Private Negotiation

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

Respondent Name: Smithsonian Institution
Respondent Nation: United States
Respondent Nation Economy: Developed
Respondent Type: Public: Institution

Reference Links:

Files:

Editor's Notes:
Includes brass plaques, carved elephant tusks, ivory leopard statues and wooden heads. Editor: Eliza Rodi. WHERE ARE THEY NOW? The Smithsonian directly returned these artifacts to the National Commission for Museums and Monuments in Nigeria. They are on display at the National Museum in Abuja, Nigeria.