The National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) Director-General Olugbile Holloway has proposed incorporating indigenous languages and cultural contexts into Nigerian museums to enhance their relevance and accessibility.
During an ARISE NEWS interview, Holloway emphasized the importance of presenting museum narratives in local languages alongside English. He explained that certain artifacts’ spiritual and cultural significance cannot be fully conveyed in English alone, necessitating the use of indigenous languages for accurate representation.
Discussing the 1897 Benin punitive expedition, Holloway described it as a significant colonial looting event that disrupted the Benin Kingdom’s social and cultural foundation. He noted the ongoing impact of this historical event, citing how Nigerians question the presence of their cultural artifacts in foreign museums.
Regarding the repatriation of Benin Bronzes, Holloway outlined the NCMM’s plans. A new facility in Benin, scheduled for completion in Q1, will temporarily house returned artifacts before their distribution across national museums. The commission is also developing its Lagos facilities and prioritizing the establishment of a museum in Abuja.
Addressing preservation concerns, Holloway challenged the notion that Western institutions are better equipped to maintain African artifacts. He identified this perspective as symptomatic of broader issues regarding the appreciation of Nigerian and African heritage.
The NCMM’s future initiatives include using technology to prevent artifact trafficking and reconceptualizing museums to reflect Nigerian perspectives. Holloway emphasized that artifact repatriation extends beyond physical objects, representing broader cultural reclamation and identity affirmation.
He stressed that returning cultural artifacts contributes to reshaping Africa’s identity and gaining international recognition, stating that global respect stems from a clear understanding of one’s cultural heritage and contributions.
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