This photograph shows British officers with a black Protectorate officer posing for photograph with their booty.
Evidence 2
The above photograph is evidence that some African soldiers and officers took part in the looting of the Benin treasures.
This raises the question: Who took what and where are the treasures now?
So quite simply, we do not know how many items were taken and by whom and to where they took them. We do know for sure that many British officers retained (stole) various items of treasures for their personal collections. We also know that the West African protectorate soldiers and officers did the same. Their thousands of porters too must have taken part in the looting. However only the British have continued to be mentioned. This is because Britain is liable for all the thefts.
For number on Benin treasures stolen, we only know about those in the possession of museums who have catalogued and declared them; and put them on public display. Thousands in private collections remain undeclared.
Oba Erediauwa the 39th Oba of Benin Kingdom made this point when he said that as the owner of the treasures stolen, he needed to be given a figure on what was stolen and all returned to him or monetary compensation for their true market value paid to him.
Issues to consider
This raises the question: Who took what and where are the treasures now?
So quite simply, we do not know how many items were taken and by whom and to where they took them. We do know for sure that many British officers retained (stole) various items of treasures for their personal collections. We also know that the West African protectorate soldiers and officers did the same. Their thousands of porters too must have taken part in the looting. However only the British have continued to be mentioned. This is because Britain is liable for all the thefts.
For number on Benin treasures stolen, we only know about those in the possession of museums who have catalogued and declared them; and put them on public display. Thousands in private collections remain undeclared.
Oba Erediauwa the 39th Oba of Benin Kingdom made this point when he said that as the owner of the treasures stolen, he needed to be given a figure on what was stolen and all returned to him or monetary compensation for their true market value paid to him.
Issues to consider
- Who has the total figures on the items looted?
- Should only the honest be made to return that which they have declared?
- What about the hardened who have not declared theirs?
- What is the right and fair thing to do?
- Should any descendant who declares that in their possession become an automatic hero for doing that which should have been done 120 years ago?
- Should there be a central place for any descendant wanting to return a treasure item to do so?
- What about those who have been honest all along?
- Which is easier, return or pay monetary compensation to their true market value?