Loot cover art

Loot

Britain and the Benin Bronzes

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Loot

By: Barnaby Phillips
Narrated by: Michael Page
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About this listen

In 1897, Britain responded to the killing of a group of officials by razing an empire to the ground. The men had been travelling to the ancient Kingdom of Benin, in what is now Nigeria, when they were ambushed and killed by local soldiers. Just six weeks later, the British had exacted their revenge, set Benin aflame, exiled the king, and annexed the territory. They also made off with some of Africa's greatest works of art.

This is the story of the "Benin Bronzes", their creation, theft, and what should happen to them now. When first exhibited in London, they caused a sensation and helped reshape European attitudes toward Africa, challenging the prevailing view of the continent as "backward" and without culture. But seeing them in the British Museum today is, in the words of one Benin City artist, like "visiting relatives behind bars". In a time of fevered debate about the legacies of empire, loot, museums, and history, what does the future hold for the Bronzes themselves?

©2021 Barnaby Phillips (P)2021 Tantor Africa Art Colonialism & Post-Colonialism Politics & Government Colonial Period Middle ages Royalty Imperialism

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All stars
Most relevant  
It’s amazing how much crap we learn and celebrate about particular wars and invasions whilst others are systematically ignored. In order for everyone to be interested in history, it needs to be told framed by truth and outlining the facts. Is it not obvious that we can all do better if we are simply more honest about our own roles in society at large. Conquest is conquest, no matter who excites the battle plan.

More people should learn this

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Engaged, well written and informative. An intelligently structured and insightful account of not only a dark period in British imperial history, but also the wider discussion of restitution of artefacts. Philips does not shy away from uncomfortable aspects of both British and Nigerian/Benin civil history but manages to humanise the discussion through interviews and vivid historical accounts of key players.

Excellent

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Extremely insightful and objective. Hats off for the in-depth research efforts and thorough exploration.

Brilliant. A must-read for all, especially Nigerians and Brits

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Barnaby Phillips did a fantastic job with this report in my opinion. I must admit I was a little sceptical when I picked up the book.

If I want to read about the sacking of Benin, why read about it from a Caucasian I thought, I couldn't have been more wrong.

I was well impressed, it looks to me like a balanced presentation of events surrounding both the actions of the British and Benin people in those dark days of 1897.

The books also elaborated on the dilemma of how to deal with the looted heritage in today's world. If only there was a simplistic answer.

Fantastic

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An incredible amount of work has gone into this book, particularly with interviews from a broad and diverse cast of people from every part of the story of the Benin bronzes.

The result is a definitive and balanced account of these artefacts' history and cultural importance.

This is essential for the discussion towards the end of the book about what actions are required now to ensure that this irreplaceable heritage is kept and displayed in a way that respects those who crafted the bronzes and their descendants, enables current and future generations to experience the artworks, and goes some way towards atoning for a small part of the crimes of colonial powers.

Detailed, clear and riveting

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