How will these resources help you?

The future of the Benin Bronzes raises important questions for pupils about how we view the impact and legacy of empire and also about the responsibility and role of museums, governments and individuals in the post-colonial world we now live in. These issues are becoming increasingly important to debate in schools as we navigate uncomfortable histories and attempt to respond to changing views of the past. Looking at the long-term impact of colonialism through debate about the restoration of artefacts to their original owners is not one often covered by textbooks, and few resources on the topic currently exist. As well as discussing the Benin Bronzes, further links could be made to the debate surrounding other looted artefacts, for example works of art taken by Nazi Germany, and the way the law has changed to support their restitution.