Headed home: 129-year journey nears end as France returns Benin treasures

French President Emmanuel Macron looks at the 19th century throne of King Ghezo from Benin at the Quai Branly museum in Paris on Oct 27. Photo: Reuters

In a move with potential ramifications for other European museums, France is displaying 26 looted colonial-era artefacts for one last time before returning them to Benin - a decision authorities in the West African country described as "historic.”

The wooden anthropomorphic statues, royal thrones and sacred altars were pilfered by the French army 129 years ago. The French will have a final glimpse of the objects, from the collection known as the Abomey Treasures, in the Musée du quai Branly-Jacques Chirac until this Sunday.