The Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) in Boston has announced plans to return a significant collection of Benin Bronzes to their original owner, Robert Owen Lehman, a prominent New York banking heir. This decision coincides with the closure of the museum’s Benin Kingdom Gallery, which has showcased these artifacts since 2013.
The Benin Bronzes are a group of plaques and sculptures that adorned the Royal Palace of Benin in present-day Nigeria. They were looted by British forces during a punitive expedition in 1897 and have since been dispersed among various institutions worldwide. The MFA’s collection, comprising 34 objects, was donated by Lehman in 2012 and was displayed in the Benin Kingdom Gallery, which was renovated to highlight the history and artistry of the Edo peoples.
The decision to return the artifacts follows a mutual agreement between the MFA and Lehman. The museum’s director, Matthew Teitelbaum, expressed gratitude for Lehman’s generosity, stating, “We are deeply appreciative of Robert Owen Lehman’s support, which has allowed us to share these remarkable works with our audience.” Lehman, in turn, emphasized the importance of the artifacts being displayed in a context that honors their cultural significance.
The closure of the Benin Kingdom Gallery marks a significant shift in the museum’s approach to the display of cultural artifacts. In recent years, institutions worldwide have faced increasing scrutiny regarding the provenance of objects in their collections, particularly those acquired during colonial periods. The MFA’s decision reflects a broader movement towards repatriation and ethical stewardship of cultural heritage.
While the closure of the gallery may be seen as a loss to the museum’s African art collection, it also presents an opportunity for the MFA to reassess its holdings and engage in more transparent and responsible practices. The museum has indicated plans to collaborate with Nigerian authorities to ensure that the returned artifacts are preserved and displayed in a manner that respects their cultural and historical significance.
This development adds to a growing list of institutions that have returned Benin Bronzes to Nigeria. In 2022, the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., and the Smithsonian Institution repatriated several Benin Bronzes, marking a significant step in the restitution of looted artifacts.
The MFA’s decision to return the Benin Bronzes and close the associated gallery underscores the evolving conversations surrounding the ownership and display of cultural artifacts. As museums continue to navigate these complex issues, the MFA’s actions may serve as a model for other institutions grappling with similar ethical considerations.
The museum has not yet announced specific plans for the space previously occupied by the Benin Kingdom Gallery. However, it is expected that the area will be repurposed to showcase other aspects of African art or to host exhibitions that explore themes of restitution and cultural heritage.
In conclusion, the MFA’s decision to return the Benin Bronzes to Robert Owen Lehman and close the associated gallery reflects a significant moment in the ongoing dialogue about the ethical responsibilities of museums in the 21st century. As institutions continue to confront their colonial legacies, actions like these contribute to a more inclusive and respectful approach to the stewardship of cultural heritage.
