Benin Triumphs as Stolen Royal Treasure Returns Home After Over Century
20:07 13.05.2025 (Updated: 20:24 13.05.2025)
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Benin Triumphs as Stolen Royal Treasure Returns Home After Over Century
The royal three-legged ceremonial Katakle stool has been officially returned by Finland to Benin at a solemn ceremony held in the capital city, Cotonou.
"The return of this relic is of historical significance, highly symbolic and undoubtedly important for the collective memory. Katakle is a symbol of balance, stability, strength and unity," Culture Minister Jean-Michel Abimbola stated.
Key details on the recovered relic:
⦁ It was used during coronations in the Kingdom of Dahomey, founded in the 17th century.
⦁ It was stolen in 1892 by French colonizer Colonel Alfred Dodds, and was transferred to the National Museum of Finland in 1929.
⦁ It is one of 27 royal treasures looted by Dodds; 26 were already returned by France in 2021.
⦁ Its return marks a significant milestone in Benin’s broader effort to reclaim its cultural heritage held abroad.
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