Gaining a new outlook
I began my time with the Horniman as a volunteer archivist working to digitise the Australian Archives. This occurred alongside the Museum’s efforts to repatriate several items in the collection belonging to the Australian Waramunga community. Searching through the masses of letters, exhibition booklets, item labels and pictures, I learnt more about the Australian collection. I discovered the sacredness of many of these objects, how they were used by indigenous Australian communities, and the fascination amongst collectors.
The time I spent in the archives reinforced my belief about preserving history, especially for the communities this directly affects. As the discourse on more accurate accounts of history has gained momentum, it is essential that we incorporate this information throughout museums.
Now, as a volunteer on the new Kingdom of Benin display, I believe it’s important to rewrite the narrative on West African communities. To contribute to the move away from derogatory, diminishing stereotypes and instead embrace their creativity, talent, and expression of life through the collections.
Why, and why now?
The Benin Bronzes are beautifully crafted depictions of the Ọbas, Queen Mothers, politics, religion and life within the Kingdom of Benin. They were created by craftsmen in guilds who used their artistic skills in service to the Ọba.
With continuing interest around the Benin Bronzes, there are also resounding voices calling for their return home.
Many museums are working towards mending the wounds inflicted through the savage looting of the Bronzes. In November 2022, the Horniman transferred the legal ownership of its Kingdom of Benin collection and repatriated six of the artefacts to Nigeria. Continued efforts towards addressing colonial legacy led to consultations with Nigerian diaspora creatives, and people connected to Benin City. Collectively, a redisplay of the current case of the Kingdom of Benin was agreed upon.
Due to the support from communities related to the Benin Bronzes, the redesign is intended to be more reflective of its people rather than through the critical gaze of imperialists and plunderers.
A welcome challenge
When I first joined the project, it was a new challenge. But a challenge I welcomed. Being responsible for accurately noting the wants and needs of the group was both an honour, and intimidating. I needed to catch all the commentary, capturing the essence of a new and revitalised display case.
As a Ghanaian, I too understand the devastation of the effects of British imperialism on West Africa. As the Benin Bronzes were ruthlessly snatched from their home, Ghana’s Gold was shamelessly stolen under the guise of British superiority. Therefore, I had the commitment and passion to ensuring dignity was restored, and an authentic narrative was formed around the Benin Bronzes.
For my first meeting, we looked at the current display case to see what was missing, what needed to be changed and what could remain the same. I recorded the thoughts, wishes, and ideas for how the case should be changed, what should be focused on and its arrangement. The group felt that the descriptions of many objects needed to be updated and include more detail.
I then labelled pictures of items in the collection in Edo. This helped the group select the objects they wanted in the new display. We discussed which items were best associated with the selected themes: trade, sacredness, life of women, contemporary Benin and repatriation.
The layout session
A layout session is where the selected pieces are arranged to visualise the desired display case. With the consultation group, the technicians and collection management teams discussed why each piece was needed and assisted with any further adjustments to the arrangement of the collection. This is needed because it is easier to rearrange pieces on a workshop table than in a display case!
We decided to group items together that represented the differing themes. This helped reinforce more of a storytelling aspect that highlights each item and shows how they intertwine and interact with each other.
Alongside the new arrangement of the collection, there was also a focus on creating new descriptions that were more informative. Overall, there was an emphasis on giving more respect to the collection, and to help the public see it through the eyes of the people who created and used them.
In this layout session we also discussed the various ways to maintain the health of the collection and prevent any further degradation. For example, one of the baskets still maintains its rich, red colour inside whereas the rest of it has faded to a light brown due to light exposure. It was the decision of the consultation group to keep the basket closed so it could maintain its colour and be seen by future generations.
Another issue was figuring out how to effectively hang the items so they could be seen, but not damaged. Various techniques will be used to ensure that the integrity of the items remain as undamaged as possible.
Film discussion
A need to capture the splendour of the Benin Kingdom, the beauty of their culture, and provide more in-depth visuals and explanations of the collection were necessary. So, we had a second meeting discussing what should be included in a new film for the display case. We wanted to have the video as an opportunity to encourage further learning and reflection. To instil in visitors that these items are not just for display, but were once used by a community for worship, daily tasks and to record history. These items are a representation of real people; past and present.
Hope and healing
This experience has been enlightening and healing as I was also given the opportunity to co-create a cowry shell shroud for the display case. In many areas of West Africa cowry shells are believed to have protective abilities. Just as craftsmen of the Kingdom of Benin sought spiritual protection and favour in their work, we sought protection over the collection. Many of these pieces would have been used for worship and to commemorate the dead. In appreciating their sacredness, the shroud will serve as a shield against harm.
This experience has taught me how to put the community first and to be more inclusive of their voices. To see institutions working to rectify the damage done to communities who have had their treasures forcibly taken and correct the narratives around them has been very healing. Hopefully, there will be further work done throughout the heritage sector to make the narrative surrounding West African communities more reflective of the actual people, rather than negative perceived notions.
I hope the redisplay is enjoyed and will be a better representation of the Kingdom of Benin, their way of life, their skill, and their dedication to their crafts. At the Horniman, the notorious legacy of the Benin Kingdom Massacre of 1897 no longer overshadows the Kingdom of Benin. We have worked to make Benin Kingdom the main story. As it should be.
Further research
To further instil the sense that Benin Kingdom is a contemporary city we discussed how we could provide further resources to encourage independent research.
So, I present to you a list of resources across various medias to learn more about the Benin Kingdom, the Benin Bronzes, and Nigeria.
The Benin Monarchy: an anthology of Benin Kingdom, 2018
Written by Benin court historians, scholars and essayists, this book delves deep into the history of the Kingdom of Benin and has thorough discussions on the Benin Bronzes. Accompanied by beautiful illustrations and photographs, this expertly researched book provides an extremely comprehensive and immersive knowledge on the Kingdom of Benin.
Buy The Benin Monarchy: an anthology of Benin Kingdom.
The Brutish Museum: The Benin Bronzes, Colonial Violence and Cultural Restitution by Dan Hicks, 2020
Hicks argues how colonialism and greed led to the 1897 Kingdom of Benin massacre. Using the tragedy of how many Benin Bronzes came into the ownership of Western institutions and personal collections, he discusses how many museums continue to perpetuate the false narrative of a ‘barbaric’ West African culture. This book gives insight into the calls for museums to begin acknowledging the damage caused by colonialism and mending these wounds through repatriation.
Buy The Brutish Museum: The Benin Bronzes, Colonial violence and Cultural Restitution.
The Art of Benin by Paula Girshick Ben-Amos, 1995
Girshick accounts how art under the Ọbas evolved leading to the creation of the Benin Bronzes. With pictures and explanations of several of the Benin Bronzes, she shows how intertwined art was in the life of the Kingdom of Benin and reflected the changing environment. A short, but comprehensive guide to learning and understanding the Benin Bronzes.
Idia of the Benin Kingdom by Ekiuwa Aire, 2020
From childhood to becoming Queen Idia of Benin Kingdom, this book is a beautiful reimaging of her life and legacy that immerses and inspires the reader with her story. Accompanied by an historical summary of Queen Idia’s life and of the Edo people at the end of the book, this a great introduction for children for learning about the Benin Kingdom and its historical figures.
Children of the Benin Kingdom by Dinah Orji, 2020
A fictional story which follows a girl called Ada. Alongside friends, Ada works to save the kingdom from disaster. With a non-fiction section at the end of the book, the combination of adventure and facts will be an engaging read for beginning your journey into learning about the culture.
Buy Children of the Benin Kingdom
Nigeria by Anna Makanda, Sharmane Barrett and Natàlia Juan Abello, 2023
A non-fiction book which teaches children about the culture, traditions and history of Nigeria. The vivid illustrations and information make for a captivating introduction for learning about Nigeria.
Did the Kings of Benin Keep Pet Leopards? And Other Questions About the Kingdom of Benin – A Question of History by Tim Cooke, 2022
A colourfully illustrated book providing facts for children about the Kingdom of Benin using a question-and-answer format.
Buy Did the Kings of Benin Keep Pet Leopards?
BBC Travel Show – Benin Bronzes return, 2023
From Cambridge to Nigeria, the host Rajan Datar discusses the return of the Benin Bronzes and its impact throughout Nigeria.
These Are The Last Benin Bronze Makers In The World | Still Standing | Business Insider, 2024
Please be aware this documentary does include images of the looters and the Benin Bronzes that were stolen. Through interviews with several practicing bronze casters, you are walked through the history of bronze casting, its significance, and the casters’ individual journeys into craftmanship. This brief video of less than twenty-minutes will help in understanding the casters’ predicaments with financial survival, the survival of the tradition of bronze casting itself, and how they feel about repatriation.
The Tribal Eye – Kingdom of Bronze, 1975
Please be aware this documentary does include images of the looters and the Benin Bronzes that were stolen. David Attenborough explores the history of the Kingdom of Benin through the Benin Bronzes and interviews in the community. Though several decades old, this documentary provides an insight into the continued traditions and the vigour of life that the Royal Palace still has.
Crossing continents – Return of the Benin Bronzes, 2024
A podcast episode where Peter Macjob goes to Nigeria to find out about the impact the return of Benin Bronzes, the difficulties with repatriation, and where the legacy of bronze casting and Benin Kingdom is today. It explores how the Bronzes coming back home has impacted people in Benin City, and what further work needs to be done in heritage sector in Nigeria.
Listen to Crossing Continents – Return of the Benin Bronzes
Noble Blood: Empires and the Benin Bronzes, 2024
Provides an overview of the looting of the Kingdom of Benin.
Listen to Noble Blood: Empires and the Benin Bronzes
Digital Benin
An interactive digital archive of royal artefacts from the Benin kingdom. A culmination of documents, oral histories and other resources to help with understanding the Benin Bronzes and learn about the Kingdom of Benin. With thorough research conducted by several researchers and consultants you will learn the correct Edo terminology and discover where each of the artefacts currently reside. They have also provided resources for children, guarantying that all are given the space to learn and understand about Benin Kingdom.
Visit the Digital Benin website
Lead image: Objects on loan from National Commission for Museums and Monuments, Nigeria.