GERMANY ~ Benin Bronze ~

... Two related interesting artefacts with a fascinating history in one post... the colonial occupation of the Kingdom of Benin (now Edo Nigeria) by British troops in February 1897 led to a worldwide dispersal of an estimated 3000 to 5000 objects plundered from the Royal Palace and other ceremonial sites... many of them were sold to Western Museums... the biggest collections are in Londen, Berlin, Oxford, Vienna, Hamburg, Dresden but also in smaller museums... this year however Germany and Nigeria signed a pre-accord on restitution of Benin bronzes... a contract transferring ownership to Nigeria is planned for spring 2022... both with great special First Day postmarks👍...Thanks a lot Dustin!【ツ】

Produced over the course of roughly 500 years, the Benin bronzes provide an aesthetically rich record of life in the thriving Benin kingdom, located in the tropical forests of what is now south-central Nigeria. They show the evolution of the empire’s second dynasty, which is believed to have begun in the 13th century and continues to this day.

King with dignitaries.

Museum am Rothenbaum. Kulturen und Künste der Welt, Hamburg (MARKK).

Stamp:

The 100th Anniversary of the German Dance Sports Association 

(Issued 02-11-2021)

Memorial head of a King.

Guinea Coast, Nigeria, Benin Kingdom, possibly mid 16th or early 17thC. 

Roemer and Pelizaeus Museum, Hildesheim.

 Stamp:

The 50th Anniversary of Police 110

(issued 02- 11-2021)