Berlin (dpa) – Germany and Nigeria have paved the way in which for the return of artwork objects looted throughout the colonial period. In Berlin on Friday, a “Joint Declaration on the Return of the Benin Bronzes” created a framework for transferring possession of the precious objects from German museums to Nigeria.
German Overseas Minister Annalena Baerbock, Minister of State for Tradition Claudia Roth, Nigerian Minister of Tradition Lai Mohammed and Minister of State for Overseas Affairs Zubairo Dada signed the four-page, twelve-point settlement, which supplies for “unconditional restitution”. On the identical time, either side need “German public museums and establishments to have the ability to proceed exhibiting the Benin bronzes on mortgage”. “This isn’t solely a day of pleasure, we’re additionally therapeutic a wound by doing this,” mentioned Overseas Minister Baerbock.
Baerbock talked concerning the historical past of colonialism. “We should always not neglect that that is additionally part of German historical past,” she mentioned. “It was incorrect to take the bronzes, and it was incorrect to maintain them for 120 years.” This can be a starting to proper the incorrect, she mentioned.