Sweden Returns 39 Looted Benin Bronzes After 129 Years

​Stockholm & Abuja — In a landmark move for global cultural restitution, Sweden has formally returned 39 invaluable Benin Bronzes and historical artefacts to Nigeria, nearly 130 years after British military forces plundered them from the ancient Benin Kingdom.

​The repatriation—finalized through a collaborative handover facilitated by the State Museums of World Culture (SMVK)—brings back a rich assortment of copper-alloy castings, intricate ivory sculptures, and traditional wood carvings. These items had found their way into Sweden’s National Museum of Natural History and other institutions following the devastating 1897 British colonial invasion.

​The official transfer underscores a mounting wave of international pressure on Western museums to restitute indigenous African heritage taken during the colonial era. Speaking on the development, curators and cultural advocates noted that Sweden’s decision reflects a growing commitment to moral justice and the correction of historical grievances.

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​While the majority of the 39 pieces have been successfully transferred to the custody of Nigerian authorities—represented by the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM)—reports indicate that a small fraction will remain in Sweden on a temporary loan arrangement as part of ongoing cross-cultural partnerships.

​This historic milestone adds to a growing list of nations, including Germany and the Netherlands, that have steadily returned looted treasures back to their rightful home in Nigeria, fueling hopes for the continued recovery of the continent’s dispersed heritage.

​Nigeria Takes Custody of 39 Benin Artefacts from Sweden

​This short video covers the recent handover ceremony and the return of the historic artifacts to Nigeria.