Benin has celebrated the return of a significant cultural artifact, a 17th-century royal stool, marking an important moment in the nation’s ongoing effort to reclaim treasures looted from the Kingdom of Dahomey during colonial occupation. The handover took place in Helsinki, during a diplomatic meeting between Beninese Foreign Minister Olushegun Adjadi Bakari and his Finnish counterpart, symbolizing renewed ties between the two nations.
Expressing gratitude to the National Museum of Finland, Bakari acknowledged the importance of the gesture, noting, “The return of the Royal Katakle Stool, now the twenty-seventh item restored from our royal heritage, signifies an invaluable step in our cultural revival.” The artifact represents part of the legacy of Dahomey, a kingdom conquered by French forces in 1892, leading to the loss of numerous royal treasures. The occupation integrated Dahomey into French West Africa, during which time Colonel Alfred Dodds—later a general—led the French troops that looted the royal palace in Abomey, seizing artifacts emblematic of the kingdom’s sovereignty and heritage.
The National Museum of Finland, which returned the royal stool, noted in a statement that the artifact had come into its possession through an exchange with France’s Musée de l’Homme in the 20th century. The return follows broader international discussions on restitution, as African nations advocate for the return of cultural artifacts held by foreign institutions.
Benin’s successful repatriation of this royal stool underscores a broader shift towards historical justice, with African nations reclaiming cultural symbols as part of their commitment to preserving and honoring their heritage.
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