Throughline: The Kingdom Behind Glass
Host/Author: NPR
Release Date: January 30, 2025

Overview

In the episode titled "The Kingdom Behind Glass," NPR's Throughline delves into the intricate history of the Benin Kingdom, its cultural zenith, the tumultuous clash with British colonial forces, and the enduring legacy of the looted Benin Bronzes. Central to the narrative is the personal journey of Ore Ogunbi, a Cambridge student, whose discovery of a Benin bronze rooster ignites a movement for repatriation of cultural artifacts. This summary captures the key discussions, insights, and conclusions presented throughout the episode.

1. The Benin Kingdom: A Flourishing Civilization

The Benin Kingdom, located in present-day southern Nigeria, thrived from the 15th to the 19th centuries. Renowned for its advanced engineering, vibrant markets, and sophisticated governance, Benin was a beacon of African civilization.

• Wando Achebe, the Jack and Margaret Sweet Endowed Professor of History at Michigan State University, states:
  “[Benin] was nothing short of a marvel. It was very vibrant and dynamic... It had street lighting, these large metal lamps filled with palm oil, which illuminated the streets at night” [10:01].

Benin's capital, Benin City, was a technological marvel with features such as an underground drainage system and extensive earthwork walls spanning over 10,000 miles, surpassing even the Great Wall of China in length. These walls were not merely defensive structures but also symbols of the kingdom's engineering prowess and authority [11:27].

2. British Colonialism and the Punitive Expedition

The late 19th century marked increased British interest in West Africa's resources, particularly rubber and palm oil, essential for Europe's industrial growth. This period saw escalating tensions between the British Empire and the Benin Kingdom over trade control.

• Wando Achebe explains:
  “With the introduction of the pneumatic tire by J.B. Dunlop in 1888, rubber became a critical raw material... Benin had vast rubber forests” [17:05].

In 1892, a contentious treaty was proposed by the British, which many historians believe undermined Benin's sovereignty by mandating the Oba (king) to consult with British authorities on governance matters [18:07]. This treaty sowed the seeds of conflict, as the Oba sought to maintain control over trade despite British objections [19:33].

3. The Ambush and the Punitive Expedition

In January 1897, James Phillips, the acting British Consul, led an expedition to depose the Oba of Benin. Ignoring cultural protocols, Phillips proceeded to Benin City, resulting in an ambush that decimated his party and escalated tensions.

• Lawrence Wu narrates:
  “Phillips does not survive. Phillips is killed... It was carnage” [29:01].

The British response was swift and brutal. Labeling Benin City the "City of Blood" based on sensationalist media reports depicting human sacrifices, the British amassed a formidable military force equipped with advanced weaponry, including Maxim guns and artillery [30:32].

4. Looting of the Benin Bronzes

The British punitive expedition culminated in the sacking of Benin City on February 18, 1897. British forces looted over 4,000 artifacts, including brass plaques, ivory carvings, and ceremonial regalia, now collectively known as the Benin Bronzes.

• Sanjay, Curator at the Pitt Rivers Museum, reflects:
  “They were bought up in Berlin, in London, in Oxford, and were being put on display... This is a dead culture” [39:11].

These artifacts were dispersed globally, finding homes in prestigious museums and private collections. Notably, the British Museum holds the largest collection with approximately 700 pieces [39:52].

5. The Rooster Statue at Cambridge and Repatriation Efforts

Ore Ogunbi's discovery of a Benin bronze rooster at Jesus College, Cambridge, served as a catalyst for contemporary repatriation movements. Despite initial resistance, persistent advocacy by Ore and her peers led to the statue’s eventual return to Nigeria in 2019.

• Ore Ogunbi shares:
  “This isn't just a pretty thing to sit on a shelf... It is all those things” [50:37].

The return of the rooster statue marked the first institutional repatriation of its kind, inspiring other institutions and museums worldwide to reconsider the rightful ownership of looted artifacts [43:37].

6. Modern Repatriation Debates and Perspectives

The episode highlights ongoing debates surrounding the repatriation of cultural artifacts. D'Adria Farmer Palmer, Executive Director of the Restitution Study Group, argues for the involvement of descendants of enslaved Africans in decisions regarding the Benin Bronzes.

• Palmer states:
  “The bronzes for us are the embodiment of our enslaved ancestors... It is our heritage” [44:34].

Conversely, Wando Achebe advocates for the bronzes to remain in Africa, emphasizing their cultural significance and historical context.

• Achebe asserts:
  “Treasures that were stolen away from Africa should remain in Africa. It is a heritage that should be enjoyed on African soil” [49:24].

These perspectives underscore the complexity of repatriation, balancing historical injustice with contemporary cultural stewardship.

7. Conclusions and Reflections

"The Kingdom Behind Glass" weaves a narrative that interlaces personal discovery with broader historical and ethical considerations. It underscores the enduring impact of colonialism on cultural heritage and the ongoing efforts to rectify historical wrongs through repatriation.

• Ore Ogunbi reflects:
  “It's history. It means things to people and has meant things to people for centuries” [50:37].

The episode concludes by highlighting the transformative power of history in shaping present identities and the importance of addressing past injustices to foster a more equitable future.

Notable Quotes

• Ore Ogunbi [05:01]:
  “I was embarrassed that I hadn't picked up on that... But it wouldn’t take long for that feeling of embarrassment to turn into something else.”

• Wando Achebe [44:49]:
  “I agree 100% that African Americans, African Caribbean people, Africans have every single right to this history, to these treasures. It is our heritage.”

• Lawrence Wu [50:04]:
  “What do you want your 2025 story to be? Therapy can help you craft the next chapters with purpose.”

Final Thoughts

Through a meticulously researched narrative, Throughline's "The Kingdom Behind Glass" offers listeners a profound exploration of the Benin Kingdom's legacy, the ramifications of colonial plunder, and the vital discourse surrounding cultural restitution. By intertwining historical exposition with personal testimony, the episode not only illuminates the past but also resonates with contemporary movements for justice and recognition.