Events
Museum Rietberg, Gablerstrasse 15, 8002 Zürich
Organizer:
Museum Rietberg
Exhibition: "In Dialogue with Benin. Art, Colonialism and Restitution"
![[Translate to English:] Ama, Reliefplatte mit Oba Ozolua, Königliche Gilde der Bronzegiesser (Igun Eronmwon), Nigeria, Königtum Benin, Edo; 16./17. Jh. © Museum Rietberg](/fileadmin/_processed_/c/a/csm_240725_Website-Keyvisual_2000x1333-px_web_0a6f58f6c6.jpg?1723029550)
The kingdom of Benin in present-day Nigeria is the focus of recent debate concerning the restitution of stolen cultural assets from Africa. In 1897 the British army conquered its capital Benin City and plundered thousands of ceremonial items and objects of prestige from the palace. The exhibition sheds light on the past, present and future of collections from a colonial context. To this end, Museum Rietberg has teamed up with partners from Nigeria and its diaspora in Switzerland. The challenge for all participants – both in Switzerland and Nigeria – was deciding how to handle questions regarding colonial injustice and restitution, knowledge archival and identity, and remembrance and healing.
The exhibition features some forty works of art from Benin and its neighbouring art regions, as well as their backstories highlighting the art trade and the reception of the works. The permanent exhibition includes pieces by contemporary artists as well. Historic documents, photographs and multimedia stations provide visitors with a deeper understanding of the subject matter.
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