I thoroughly enjoyed watching this @AJStream hosted by @FemiOke discussing the return of The #BeninBronzes.

I didn't understand a lot of things before my post-grad in Museum & Cultural Management.

Those are stolen objects which should be returned.

There are many arguments, yes - will they be cared for is the one 'devil's advocates' use. I abhor that defense because it seeks to discredit - a tool we've seen throughout colonialism, and it doesn't address the key issues.

Why is repatriation to West Africa a problem?

Museums have repatriated a lot of items to institutions in the West/ Global North without a lot of issues. There are so many biases and it irks.

I remember a recent conversation with someone talking about how these things are 'global heritage'. I was aghast. Global heritage?

Is it right that I have grown up with (great) galleries and not many museums, only seeing my country's objects in museums abroad? And tomorrow, people describe us as uncultured yet our objects fetch them tourist pounds and dollars and euros.

I don't think it's right!

I'm happy the Benin Dialog group is working hard to reclaim them and consolidate plans for a museum.

This idea of global heritage and universal museums is problematic and serves the interests of a select few who want to protect their interests

"Calls to repatriate objects that have belonged to museum collections for many years have become an important issue.. Although each case has to be judged individually, we should acknowledge that museums serve not just the citizens of one nation but the people of every nation. "

"Museums are agents in the development of culture, .... Each object contributes to that process. To narrow the focus of museums whose collections are diverse and multifaceted would therefore be a disservice to all visitors."

https://www.hermitagemuseum.org/wps/portal/hermitage/news/news-item/news/1999_2013/hm11_1_93/?lng

Those quotes are from museums who want stolen objects - like the Benin Bronzes - to remain in their museums, citing global heritage.

Who does this benefit?
Whose pockets benefit?
Who gets to 'own' the history?

Yes, there are many considerations but first things first

Return the stolen objects!

Also really enjoyed this https://www.africavenir.org/fileadmin/downloads/Opoku_UniversalMuseum.pdf