Sculpture in the ancient city of Ife, whose origins date back to the first millennium, returns to its roots.
An ancient bronze sculpture is confiscated by customs officials at a Mexican airport. The sculpture depicts a man wearing woven trousers and a hat, sitting cross-legged and holding an instrument.
The piece was presented during a ceremony at the headquarters of the Mexican Foreign Ministry. Julian Ventura, Mexico’s deputy foreign minister, presented the sculpture to Aminu Iyawa, the Nigerian ambassador to Mexico, noting ”the immediate discovery, authentication and diplomatic efforts enabled the return of the sculpture to the Federal Republic of Nigeria.” He added: ”Mexico and
Nigeria are multi-ethnic and multilingual nations, which is why they are determined to combat theft, theft and looting of cultural property.”
Aminu Iyawa, in response to the return of the ancient artifact, stated that “the return of this work to its people, beyond a gesture of friendship, is an action linked to the global call for the return of the heritage that was once plundered.” their countries of origin, many of which have a colonial past, such as Nigeria and Mexico.”
This is great news as the world continues to discuss the looting of artworks in various countries during colonization and these countries are demanding the return of stolen artworks.
