Will Benin Bronzes ever go home?

A hurriedly passed note led two police officers in Britain to begin a mission to return looted art to Nigeria

Mr Steve Dunstone and Mr Timothy Awoyemi have been advocating for the return of artworks to Africa, such as one of the Benin Bronzes (left) and a carved ivory mask (right), worn by the oba, or ruler, of Benin, on display at the British Museum in London. PHOTOS: NYTIMES
Mr Steve Dunstone (left) and Mr Timothy Awoyemi (right) have been advocating for the return of artworks to Africa, such as one of the Benin Bronzes and a carved ivory mask, worn by the oba, or ruler, of Benin, on display at the British Museum in London. PHOTOS: NYTIMES
Updated
Jan 30, 2020, 05:22 AM
Published
Jan 30, 2020, 05:00 AM
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LONDON • In 2004, Mr Steve Dunstone and Mr Timothy Awoyemi stood on a boat on the bank of the River Niger.

The two middle-aged men, both police officers in Britain, were taking part in a journey through Nigeria, organised through the Police Expedition Society, and had reached the small town of Agenebode, in the country's south.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on January 30, 2020, with the headline Will Benin Bronzes ever go home?. Subscribe

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