Top 50 African Artefacts in the British Museums | African Artefacts Stolen by the British |

The British Museum houses a vast collection of African artefacts, many of which were acquired during the colonial era. Below is a list of 50 notable African artefacts in the British Museum, showcasing the continent's rich history and artistic achievements. Some items have been the subject of debates about repatriation. Please remember to like this video to support Africa Rised. Top 50 African artefacts in the British Museum, Benin bronzes from Nigeria, a collection of over 900 plaques and sculptures from the Benin Kingdom, depicting historical events and royal figures. The head of an Eif King from Nigeria, a brass sculpture from the Yoruba civilization, showing advanced metallurgical skills. Queen Idia mask from Nigeria, an ivory mask symbolising Queen Idia of Benin, associated with rituals and power. Asante gold weights from Ghana, intricately crafted weights used for measuring gold in the Asante Kingdom. Kuba and Dopp statues from the Democratic Republic of Congo, wooden royal portrait sculptures representing Kuba kings. Rosetta stone from Egypt, a stele inscribed in three scripts, instrumental in deciphering Egyptian hieroglyphs. Shabti figures from Egypt, small funerary statues placed in tombs to serve the deceased in the afterlife. Oba's coral bead crown from Nigeria, a royal crown made of coral beads from the Benin Kingdom. Throne of Bamum kings from Cameroon, a beaded throne and footstool from the Bamum Kingdom. Geyer Anderson cat from Egypt, a bronze figure of a cat representing Bastet, the goddess of home and fertility. Egyptian mummies from Egypt, preserved remains of ancient Egyptians reflecting burial practices. Akan drum from Ghana, a wooden drum likely used in ceremonies, later transported to America. Makonde masks from Tanzania and Mozambique, wooden masks used in initiation and ritual dances. Mgeel mask from Gabon, a fang mask associated with judicial ceremonies. Nok terracotta figures from Nigeria, ancient clay sculptures from the Nok civilization. Ancient Egyptian coffins from Egypt, wooden and painted coffins showcasing burial customs. Edo bronze heads from Nigeria, bronze sculptures of royal figures from the Benin Kingdom. Kente cloth from Ghana, woven textiles symbolizing African heritage and culture. Dogon Kanaga mask from Mali, a ritual mask used in Dogon religious ceremonies. Tsodilo rock art from Botswana, ancient paintings and carvings, some represented through casts. Bronze leopard figures from Nigeria, statues of leopards symbolizing power in Benin royal courts. Lidenberg heads from South Africa, ceramic heads thought to have been used in rituals. Egungan costumes from Nigeria, colorful costumes used in Yoruba masquerade festivals. Zanda harps from South Sudan, wooden harps from the Zanda people used in ceremonies. Benin brass bells from Nigeria, ritual bells used in the Benin Kingdom. Ancient Nubian jewelry from Sudan, gold and faience jewelry from Nubian tombs. Ibibio wooden masks from Nigeria, masks used in traditional ceremonies among the Ibibio people. Tutsi milk container from Rwanda, a beautifully carved gourd used for storing milk. Ashanti stools from Ghana, symbolic wooden stools representing power and unity. Congo Nkisi Nkondi figures from the Democratic Republic of Congo, wooden statues with nails believed to house spirits. Benin ivory salt cellars from Nigeria, intricately carved ivory vessels used for holding salt. Nubian pyramids, models from Sudan, miniature representations of ancient pyramids in Sudan. Egyptian amulets from Egypt, small charms believed to provide protection or good luck. Zulu shields from South Africa, traditional shields made from cowhide. Telum figurines from Mali, wooden statues from the Telum culture of Mali. Benin altar pieces from Nigeria, bronze and ivory altar objects used in rituals. Po mask from Angola, a Chokwe mask representing femininity and fertility. Berber silver jewelry from North Africa, ornate jewelry made by Berber artisans. Egyptian canopic jars from Egypt, containers used to hold the organs of the deceased. Zulu beaded necklaces from South Africa, necklaces symbolizing social status and relationships. Benin royal scepter from Nigeria, a bronze staff symbolizing authority and power. Songye power figure from the Democratic Republic of Congo, a wooden statue believed to protect its owner. Sandrock art replicas from Southern Africa, replicas of ancient paintings by the San people. Guru masks from the Ivory Coast, wooden masks used in ceremonial dances. Igbo Mbari houses, models from Nigeria, representations of sacred Igbo ceremonial structures. Ethiopian manuscripts from Ethiopia, illuminated Christian texts from ancient Ethiopia. Benin commemorative heads from Nigeria, bronze heads honoring deceased Benin kings. Zulu spears from South Africa, traditional spears used in warfare and ceremonies. Egyptian scarabs from Egypt, amulets shaped like beetles symbolizing rebirth. Benin royal tunic from Nigeria, a ceremonial garment worn by Benin royalty. African governments have been actively demanding the return of artifacts looted during colonial times, including bronzes, sculptures, and ceremonial items held in British museums like the British Museum. Countries like Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Ghana have sent formal requests for repatriation, citing the cultural and historical significance of these treasures. Despite these efforts, the British government and institutions have been largely unwilling to return the items, often citing reasons like preservation, universal access, and legal restrictions under the British Museum Act of 1963, which prevents deaccessioning items from its collection. Critics argue that this reflects a lingering colonial mindset and a refusal to acknowledge historical injustices. While some institutions like Cambridge's Jesus College have returned a few items, large-scale restitution remains a contentious issue.