Renowned Swiss ethnologist Brigitta Hauser-Schäublin has strongly rebuked Nigeria’s handling of the Benin bronzes in its possession, asserting that the country should not receive further artefacts due to its neglect in preserving these cultural treasures.
In an interview published by the Swiss newspaper Aargauer Zeitung and translated by Mike Wells from German, Hauser-Schäublin delivered scathing remarks regarding Nigeria’s responsibility in safeguarding the revered Benin bronzes, reports dailysceptic.org.
Hauser-Schäublin criticized Nigeria’s stance on restitution, stating, “Nigeria has persistently demanded the return of all Benin bronzes, citing reasons such as ‘stolen history’ and ‘stolen identity.’ However, if these artefacts hold such significance, shouldn’t Africa’s strongest economy have prioritized the preservation of its existing museum collections?”
Highlighting a disturbing trend of neglect, Hauser-Schäublin raised alarming concerns about the diminished state of Benin collections within Nigeria.
She lamented the drastic reduction in the number of artefacts at the National Museum in Lagos, once boasting the world’s third-largest Benin collection, which now stands at a mere 80 poorly recorded and presented objects.
“The question arises: if Nigeria is adamant about repatriation, where have these objects gone?” Hauser-Schäublin questioned, shedding light on an autocratic act where a former Nigerian President transferred all objects, including those pending restitution, to the ‘King’ of Benin as private property.
Asserting that Benin Bronzes symbolize a shared global heritage, Hauser-Schäublin advocated for a collective responsibility toward these artefacts.
She called for innovative approaches to address the cultural significance and shared ownership of these objects, criticizing both Nigeria’s handling of its collections and Switzerland’s restitution policies.
