Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts returned a pair of looted artifacts Friday to His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba Ewuare II, Oba of Benin, reconciling a colonial-era theft that dates back to the late 1800s. The return represents the first time the MFA has given back an artifact since launching its colonial-era provenance project in 2021.
The art works – a commemorative head made of terracotta and iron, and a bronze relief plaque depicting two officials with raised swords – were handed over to His Royal Highness Prince Aghatise Erediauwa, who received them on his brother’s behalf in a ceremony at the Consulate General of Nigeria in New York City.
“I am pleased to deliver these two works of art to Prince Aghatise Erediauwa on behalf of Oba Ewuare,” said Matthew Teitelbaum, the Ann and Graham Gund Director of the MFA, in a statement. “As custodians of these exceptional objects for the past 12 years, it is deeply gratifying to see them returned to their rightful owner.”
The artworks were looted by British soldiers during an attack on the Kingdom of Benin in 1897, according to the MFA. MFA Curator of Provenance Victoria Reed says although the oba, or “King of Benin,” is no longer an official government position, he is the rightful recipient…