Repatriation of cultural property

Repatriation of cultural property refers to the return of artworks and artefacts removed from their countries or communities of origin, often through conquest or colonial looting. The Benin Bronzes, some 3,000 works taken by British forces from the Benin Empire in 1897, are the central case in the global debate. Nigerian and Edo demands for their return have led several museums to restitute objects.