Ammons Passes Resolution to Return Benin Bronzes

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Carol Ammons, D-Urbana, passed a resolution condemning the unjust history of the Benin Bronzes, a collection of Nigerian plaques and sculptures created in the 1700s and illegally sold and transported across the world.

“African culture across the planet has been decimated, both intentionally and unintentionally, for centuries,” said Ammons. “This collection of artifacts is just one more thing that was stolen from our ancestors, and we’re simply imploring African history be returned to its proper home through collaboration with all involved parties.”

House Resolution 211 develops a Repatriation Committee to log the inventory of and develop a standardized process to return the Benin Bronzes. This will include the development of a sharing framework, gathering resale royalties, and developing a program to bring heirs of the enslaved and the Benin Kingdom together for reconciliation, healing, and cooperation.

“A return and proper plan to share the Benin Bronzes will mark centuries of growth, acknowledging the wrong done in maintaining and hoarding of these cherished artifacts,” said Ammons. “I’m committed to doing the work necessary to rectify the unjust and illegal history of the possession of the Benin Bronzes.”