US returns Benin Bronzes stolen by British colonial forces

A bronze sculpture called the Head of a King or Oba is among 31 culturally precious objects returned to the Nigerian government on October 11, 2022 [Erik Gould/RISD Museum via AP]

A bronze sculpture of a West African king that was in the collection of a Rhode Island museum for more than 70 years is among 31 culturally precious objects that have been returned to the Nigerian government.

The sculpture, called the Head of a King, or Oba, which was held at the Rhode Island School of Design Museum (RISD) was among the objects transferred to the Nigerian National Collections during a ceremony at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC on Tuesday.