30.06.2023The BAK approves funding for phase two of the Benin Initiative Switzerland (BIS)

The Swiss Benin Initiative has so far examined around 100 objects from the Kingdom of Benin (Nigeria) that are held in eight Swiss museums. In collaboration with partners from Nigeria, these eight museums, including the Ethnographic Museum, have researched the origin of these collections. Of the 18 objects in the Ethnological Museum, 14 were probably looted by the British Army in 1897 and therefore acquired violently.

The findings (PDF, 8 MB)were presented to the Nigerian government and the Benin Palace at the Swiss Benin Forum in February 2023, where the Swiss and Nigerian partners issued a joint declaration (PDF, 92 KB). In this declaration, the participating museums show their readiness to a transfer of ownership of the looted and probably looted objects, which may include repatriation, circulation or loans to the Swiss museums.

A second phase of the Benin Initiative Switzerland has now been launched, financed by the Federal Office of Culture and the participating museums. (Press release (PDF, 213 KB)14.06.2023). In the second phase of the BIS, the aim is not only to close research gaps, but also to develop new methods of museum cooperation as well as joint exhibition and mediation projects. The close cooperation with representatives of the community of origin in Nigeria will also be the focus of the second phase of the BIS. 

In this context, the Ethnographic Museum has begun preparations for a joint exhibition and series of events on the past, present and future of the Benin collections, which will be developed in cooperation with Nigerian partners and launched in autumn 2024.

Völkerkundemuseum UZH