VOA标准英语2013--Nigerians Demand Return of Ancient Art
时间：2018-11-29 作者：英语课 分类：VOA标准英语2012年(十二月)
Nigerians Demand Return of Ancient Art
What was once the ancient Kingdom of Benin is now the heart of the Nigerian art world, with statues adorning 1 the streets and an art museum in the Benin City town square. But locals say the displayed art is only part of Benin’s collection. They say British colonials stole nearly 4,000 pieces more than a century ago.
“Originally these objects belonged to the Benin people, and the Benin people want them back," stated Umogbai Theophilus, curator for Nigeria’s National Museum in Benin City. "So I am using this opportunity to send that message across that the objects taken away in 1897 through raw aggression 2 by the Europeans should come back to their rightful owners, the Benins.”
Theophilus says after decades of negotiations 3, some Benin art has been sent back to Nigeria. “In the past we have had successes, but they were very modest compared to what was taken awa,” he said.
The art was taken at the end of the 19th century when the British launched a “punitive expedition” in retaliation 4 for what they said was Benin aggression, sacking the city and deposing 5 the king or “Oba.”
Local artist Williams Edosowan says art in Benin is more than just decoration. It is how they record their history. “They stole many of our art-craft from the palace. During those days any event that happened, we used to create art work to [remember] the event,” he recalled.
Collectors argue that the history of Benin Kingdom is kept alive by the art as it travels the world. Critics also say repatriating 6 the art requires more commitment from Nigerian officials. Artists in Benin City say every piece lost is a lost piece of their history.
- Many have gems adorning their foreheads, and gold bands on their arms. 许多人在前额上挂着宝石，手臂上戴着金饰。
- The commandments, or rules, are like pure white pearls adorning the wearer. （喻）戒律洁白，可以庄严人身，好像晶莹可爱的宝珠。
- So long as we are firmly united, we need fear no aggression.只要我们紧密地团结，就不必惧怕外来侵略。
- Her view is that aggression is part of human nature.她认为攻击性是人类本性的一部份。
- negotiations for a durable peace 为持久和平而进行的谈判
- Negotiations have failed to establish any middle ground. 谈判未能达成任何妥协。
- retaliation against UN workers 对联合国工作人员的报复
- He never said a single word in retaliation. 他从未说过一句反击的话。 来自《简明英汉词典》
- Russia's offensive could be aimed at threatening Mr Lukashenka rather than deposing him. 俄罗斯的进攻其目的不在于废黜他的政权，而在于威慑他。 来自互联网
- Jon Arne Riise has stepped back in there, with Arbeloa deposing Finnan on the opposite side. 约翰．阿尔内．里瑟补上了这个位置，还有艾比路亚在另一边取代了芬南。 来自互联网
- Since banks are reducing overall lending, that means repatriating cash. 由于银行总的借贷额在下降，这就意味着资金必然国内回流。 来自互联网
- US immigration officials have again delayed moves start repatriating six-year-old Cuban shipwreck survivor Elian Gonzalez. 六岁的古巴海难幸存儿童埃利安非常幸运，美国移民局官员已将原本要遣返他的时间再次拖延。 来自互联网