'Capture of Benin - Military Tournament', 1897 (c)

Photograph, 1897 (c).

A culturally problematic image showing a Military Tournament re-enactment of an execution scene from the Benin expedition of 1897, with soldiers in theatrical dress and make-up, appearing as West African warriors.

The Benin expedition of 1897 remains a particularly controversial colonial campaign because of the appropriation of artefacts by British forces. Many of these items, including what have become known as the 'Benin Bronzes', currently reside in European museum collections and are the subject of debate over ownership and repatriation.

From an album compiled by Major N Burrows of the Loyal North Lancashire Regiment.