A sculpture will be handed back to Nigeria by the University of Aberdeen on Thursday after its “extremely immoral” acquisition.
The “priceless” bronze is described as having been looted by British soldiers in Benin City in 1897.
Depicting an Oba (king) of Benin, it was acquired by the university in 1957 at an auction.
The university approved repatriation in March, and a handover ceremony will now take place on Thursday evening.
Thousands of sculptures and carvings were removed during the destruction of Benin City in present-day Nigeria.
Many ended up being sold to museums or private collectors.
A panel unanimously recommended its return to Nigeria, and the university’s governing body supported the move.
A delegation has travelled to Aberdeen to officially receive the sculpture.
His Royal Majesty, Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo Ewuare II, said: “Much has been said about the significance of heritage art and, in spite of the occasional attempts in some quarters to downplay their cultural and religious relevance, these works are often imbued with the spirit of the people from whom they were taken.
“We thank the University of Aberdeen for this noble act of returning our bronze work.
“We hope that other institutions worldwide will see the injustice when they insist on holding on to items which in fact should be a reminder to them of the great injustice that was inflicted on a people so far away and so long ago.”
BBC
