10 Cultural Artifacts the British Stole From Other Countries

The British took historical treasures home to the UK after war, deceit, or the harassment of weaker nations, many of which would end up in museums or private collections. These artifacts are for many, stolen heritage, and ongoing debates rage over who should own them.

In today’s world, Britain is under pressure to return these artifacts. Repatriation calls aren’t just about bringing objects back; they’re about reclaiming a sense of cultural identity and a measure of respect for the countries that lost them. It’s an endless list of items taken during the British Empire’s ‘golden days’, from dazzling jewels to sacred sculptures. Below are some of the most famous examples of artifacts taken, which have resulted in controversy today.

The Benin Bronzes

The Benin Bronzes are one of the most infamous collections in British museums today. In 1897 British forces, on a punitive expedition in the Kingdom of Benin, now known as Nigeria, looted these stunning plaques, statues, and sculptures. Many of the royal palace’s 1,000 artifacts were seized and sold to museums in Europe. The bronzes are much more than just art for Nigeria; they’re part of their history, and tell the stories of their ancestors, their traditions, and their values.

The Koh-i-Noor Diamond

The Koh-i-Noor is one diamond that sums up colonial exploitation. This massive gemstone was originally part of a Hindu temple, and it is from India. It changed hands over the centuries, however in 1849, when Punjab was annexed to Britain, the diamond was handed over to Queen Victoria. The Koh-i-Noor has sparked debate among India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, all of them claiming the gem as their own.

The Elgin Marbles

One of the longest running cultural disputes has been over the Elgin Marbles, or the Parthenon Marbles. These marble sculptures were taken from other buildings on the Acropolis, Athens. The Ottomans, who ruled Greece in the early 19th century, only lent them to Lord Elgin, a British diplomat, who carted them off in 1812. Repeatedly, Greece has demanded their return, saying the marbles are essential to their ancient heritage and should be reunited with the rest of the Parthenon.

The Rosetta Stone

The Rosetta Stone was a cornerstone in the deciphering of ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs — discovered by French soldiers in 1799 but eventually falling into British hands after their 1798 to 1801 British defeat of the French in Egypt. It was the stone, inscribed in three different scripts, with the same text on it that was used to unlock the language of the ancient Egyptians. It is now in the British Museum, to the annoyance of Egyptians, who regard it as a vital part of their cultural heritage.

The Sultanganj Buddha

In 1861, a mass bronze statue of a Buddha was found in the Indian town of Sultanganj. The statue was unearthed by British railway engineers during construction and quickly sent to Birmingham where it was put on display. This statue is an icon for many Indians who see these traditions as their ancient Buddhist heritage and urge the Vatican to return the icon to the country in which it was found.

The Amarna Princess

Much of the antiquities from which Egypt’s heritage is made were pillaged by many European explorers and collectors who flocked to Egypt in the 19th century and carted key artifacts away with them. The Amarna Princess, a life-size Akhenaten Pharoah statue was acquired by the British in the 19th century, and displayed in the British Museum. Its removal from Egypt sparked controversy as it is a sacred object.

Tipu Sultan’s Tiger

Tipu Sultan’s Tiger is a mechanical toy that depicts a tiger killing a British soldier (a vitriolic ideological statement from the 18th century ruler of Mysore, Tipu Sultan). The toy was taken to England after his defeat by British forces in 1799 and is on display in the Victoria and Albert Museum. This artifact isn’t just a toy to many in India, it’s a symbol of resistance against colonial rule.

The Ethiopian Manuscripts

In the 1868 British expedition to the Ethiopian Empire, British forces took hundreds of religious manuscripts and treasures out of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. Most of these artifacts were taken from the mountain fortress of Magdala and are now scattered among British institutions. Ethiopians have asked for the return of these manuscripts which they consider sacred objects of spiritual and historical importance.

The Parthenon Marbles

One of the most well-known examples of cultural treasures taken during the British Empire’s reign is the Parthenon Marbles. In the early 1800s, Lord Elgin, a British nobleman, removed the sculptures while working for the Ottomans, who had control of Greece then. They permitted him to bring them to England. His justification? He said he was protecting them from further damage to the deteriorating Parthenon. The marbles were shipped to Britain, where they’ve been ever since. They are proudly displayed in the British Museum, which claims they are being kept for future generations.

The Gweagal Shield

Captain James Cook took the Gweagal Shield during his first voyage to Australia in 1770. It was believed to belong to an Aboriginal warrior; a reminder of the violent build-ups between British colonizers and Indigenous Australians. There are even bullet holes in the shield, which is currently housed in a British Museum. Now some Australians want it back, as a symbol of Australian colonial history and Aboriginal resistance.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.

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