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HR 885

Illinois House•In House Committee

Summary

HR 885, “BENIN BRONZES”, was introduced in the House on May 11, 2026 by Rep. Kimberly Du Buclet (D). It was referred to Rules, and last saw action on Jul 1, 2026: Rule 19(b) / Re-referred to Rules Committee.

Record

Text

HR 885 has no co-sponsors and has not gone to a roll call.

hr0885/introduced.txt
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Full Text of HR0885
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	HR0885 - 104th General Assembly
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		HR0885		LRB104 20990 MST 34861 r
HOUSE RESOLUTION
    WHEREAS, The Benin Bronzes are a collection of intricately
crafted plaques, sculptures, ceremonial heads, and other
artifacts created by Edo artists of the Kingdom of Benin,
located in present-day Edo State, Nigeria, primarily between
the 13th and 19th centuries, representing one of Africa's most
sophisticated and enduring artistic traditions; and
    WHEREAS, These works embody the political authority,
religious symbolism, and social organization of the Benin
Kingdom, serving as historical records, memorials to royal
ancestors, and expressions of the cultural and spiritual life
of the Edo people; and
    WHEREAS, The materials and wealth used in the production
of the Benin Bronzes were, in part, obtained through extensive
regional and international trade networks, including
transatlantic exchanges that were deeply intertwined with
European commercial expansion and the transatlantic slave
trade; and
    WHEREAS, This history reflects the complex and often
painful legacies of African and European interaction,
including the participation of multiple actors in systems of
trade, coercion, and colonization that caused profound human
		HR0885	- 2 -	LRB104 20990 MST 34861 r
suffering and long-lasting harm; and
    WHEREAS, In 1897, during the British Punitive Expedition
against the Kingdom of Benin, the royal palace was destroyed
and thousands of culturally and spiritually significant
objects, now collectively known as the Benin Bronzes, were
removed and subsequently dispersed throughout museums and
private collections around the world; and
    WHEREAS, Today, the Benin Bronzes are held across Europe,
North America, and elsewhere, with approximately one quarter
of the known works located in the United States, including
significant collections at the Field Museum in Chicago and
other Illinois cultural institutions; and
    WHEREAS, The global dispersal of the Benin Bronzes has
become emblematic of broader histories of colonial extraction
and cultural loss, prompting renewed international dialogue
around ethical stewardship, historical accountability, and
public education; and
    WHEREAS, The Edo people and the Federal Republic of
Nigeria have long advocated for the return and appropriate
care of the Benin Bronzes, emphasizing their importance to
cultural identity, historical continuity, and
intergenerational learning; and
		HR0885	- 3 -	LRB104 20990 MST 34861 r
    WHEREAS, Descendants of people impacted by the
transatlantic slave trade have also sought fuller
acknowledgment of the historical contexts surrounding the
creation, exchange, and movement of these works, underscoring
the need for inclusive and truthful interpretation; and
    WHEREAS, Museums, universities, and cultural institutions
around the world are increasingly engaging in collaborative
approaches to conservation, interpretation, and public
programming that reflect evolving best practices in cultural
ethics and historical scholarship; therefore, be it
    RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE
HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that
we recognize the extraordinary artistic, cultural, and
historical significance of the Benin Bronzes, including their
craftsmanship, symbolism, and enduring global importance, and
that we further recognize the historical injustice associated
with the original creation of the Benin Bronzes and the
subsequent British acquisition and distribution of the relics;
and be it further
    RESOLVED, That we acknowledge the interconnected histories
of the Benin Bronzes, the transatlantic slave trade, and
colonial violence and affirm the importance of presenting
		HR0885	- 4 -	LRB104 20990 MST 34861 r
these histories accurately, responsibly, and with cultural
sensitivity; and be it further
    RESOLVED, That we encourage museums and cultural
institutions to continue engaging with source communities,
scholars, and the public to promote ethical stewardship,
shared understanding, and educational access to this heritage;
and be it further
    RESOLVED, That we support efforts to use the Benin Bronzes
as instruments for learning, dialogue, and cultural healing,
fostering greater awareness of Africa's rich artistic
traditions and the historical forces that shaped their global
journey; and be it further
    RESOLVED, That we commit to using the platform of the
Illinois General Assembly to promote public education,
historical literacy, and constructive international cultural
engagement grounded in respect, collaboration, and truth.

Recognizes the extraordinary artistic, cultural, and historical significance of the Benin Bronzes, including their craftsmanship, symbolism, and enduring global importance. Further recognizes the historical injustice associated with the original creation of the Benin Bronzes and the subsequent British acquisition and distribution of the relics. Acknowledges the interconnected histories of the Benin Bronzes, the transatlantic slave trade, and colonial violence and affirms the importance of presenting these histories accurately, responsibly, and with cultural sensitivity. Encourages museums and cultural institutions to continue engaging with source communities, scholars, and the public to promote ethical stewardship, shared understanding, and educational access to this heritage. Supports efforts to use the Benin Bronzes as instruments for learning, dialogue, and cultural healing, fostering greater awareness of Africa's rich artistic traditions and the historical forces that shaped their global journey. Commits to using the platform of the Illinois General Assembly to promote public education, historical literacy, and constructive international cultural engagement grounded in respect, collaboration, and truth.

Sponsors

Rep. Kimberly Du Buclet (D) sponsors HR 885 alone.

Committees

HR 885 went before 2 committees: Rules and Museums, Arts, & Cultural Enhancement.

Rules
Rules
Referred to · May 12, 2026 · 5,290 Bills
Museums, Arts, & Cultural Enhancement
Museums, Arts, & Cultural Enhancement
Referred to · May 13, 2026

History

HR 885 has taken 4 actions since May 11, 2026, the latest on Jul 1, 2026.

ChamberAction
Jul 1, 2026
House
Rule 19(b) / Re-referred to Rules Committee
May 13, 2026
House
Assigned to Museum, Arts, Culture, and Entertainment
May 12, 2026
House
Referred to Rules Committee
May 11, 2026
House
Filed with the Clerk by Rep. Kimberly Du Buclet

Votes

HR 885 has not gone to a roll call.

Source: ilga.gov · legiscan.com