The bronze plaque depicting a mudfish, known as ‘Ama O Ghe Ehen’ in the Edo language, had been part of the Museum de Fundatie’s collection since 1937. Research carried out over the past three years has shown that this was most likely stolen during the violent British raid on Benin in 1897. In November 2025, Director-General Beatrice von Bormann therefore signed the transfer documents in Benin City, Nigeria – with the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), which handles restitutions on behalf of the Palace of Benin.
On 20 October, the tenth anniversary of the coronation of Omo N'Oba N'Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, Executive Director Beatrice von Bormann presented the plaque to the Oba, in the presence of representatives from the NCMM, the Consul-General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Frank Keurhorst, and many dignitaries. It was an unforgettable day.
As restitution is about more than simply returning an object, this year we organised the exhibition ‘Back to Benin – New Art, Centuries-old Heritage’, in which we not only highlighted the history of the mudfish and the Benin bronzes, but also asked ten contemporary artists with roots in Benin to create new works inspired by Ama O Ghe Ehen. This allowed us to demonstrate that this ancient tradition is still very much alive today. We were able to acquire a number of works from the exhibition. The exhibition was curated by Aude Christel Mgba.
We were able to display the mudfish on loan one last time as part of the exhibition. It is now back home. It is clear that this magnificent art, with its rich stories, symbolism and spiritual significance, belongs in Benin. It is the history book of the Edo people and the Kingdom of Benin.
photographer: Uwa Usiosefe