Britain and the Benin Bronzes

About this course

This illustrated lecture examines the Edo (Benin) Kingdom’s relationship with Europe, the causes of the 1897 British invasion and the looting of cultural objects. It then follows the dispersal of the Benin Bronzes through Western museums, changing attitudes towards African cultural objects, and Edo calls for their return. The session considers recent restitutions and the political tensions surrounding them in Britain and Nigeria, including wider questions about museums and the legacy of empire. The analysis draws on archival sources and interviews conducted in Nigeria and Britain.

What you'll learn

• Describe key aspects of the history of the Benin Kingdom and British imperialism in West Africa.
• Explain the circumstances surrounding the 1897 British invasion and the looting of Benin cultural objects.
• Trace how the Benin Bronzes were dispersed through Western museums and how attitudes towards them changed.
• Assess political challenges and opportunities associated with the restitution of the Benin Bronzes in Britain and Nigeria.

Is this course right for you?

The course is explicitly suitable for absolute beginners to the subject. It is delivered as an illustrated lecture, making it appropriate for learners seeking a structured introduction to the history, imperial context and restitution debate surrounding the Benin Bronzes.

• No work outside class is required, although further reading is recommended.