The Benin Bronzes in the British Museum : attitudes of Nigerians in Nigeria and in the United Kingdom

Abstract

This master's thesis examines the attitudes of Nigerians towards the Benin Bronzes held at the British Museum, London. It tries to find out how Nigerians in the UK, compared to Nigerians in Nigeria, value and understand the Benin Bronzes, especially as it concerns cultural identity, repatriation, and digitization. Through observations, interviews, and surveys, the research analyzes the exhibition of the Benin Bronzes in the British Museum, gaps in curation, and how the role of the British Museum as a holding institution is perceived. Also, this study is contextualized in the themes of decolonization, repatriation, and the concept of universal museums.