Should looted artifacts be returned?

It is morally correct, and reflects basic property laws, that stolen or looted property should be returned to its rightful owner. Cultural objects belong together with the cultures that created them; these objects are a crucial part of contemporary cultural and political identity.

Should the British Museum return artifacts?

A common argument for the repatriation of artefacts is that they are best understood and appreciated it their original historical and cultural context. Some 46\% of Brits might agree, saying that looted artefacts remain more a part of their country of origin’s history than they are a part of British history.

Does the British Museum have stolen artifacts?

The British Museum alone has more than 900 Benin bronze artifacts. The museum is home to a bevy of stolen artifacts from other parts of the world including the Parthenon Sculptures, a collection of marble architectural decoration from the Acropolis in Athens, Greece.

Do museums steal artifacts?

Today, many museums around the world contain art and artifacts that were stolen from their countries of origin during colonial rule or looted during war. In the Netherlands, an advisory committee to the Dutch government has recommended that the country give back items taken without consent.

Why we should not return artifacts?

They are part of the area’s history. These artefacts have been illegally procured. These artefacts are the foundation of a potential tourist trade. The artefacts serve as reminders of past oppression.

Did Lord Elgin have permission to take the marbles?

According to the British Museum, Elgin was granted a firman (letter of instruction) granting him permission to take away the pieces… … “as a personal gesture after he encouraged the British forces in their fight to drive the French out of Egypt, which was then an Ottoman possession”.

Should the Netherlands return looted art to its former colonies?

In “ Return Looted Art to Former Colonies, Dutch Committee Tells Government ,” Claire Moses writes: The Netherlands should return looted art to its former colonies: That’s the official recommendation of an advisory committee to the Dutch government.

Did you know these amazing facts about Indian sculptures?

It is a testimony to the unbelievable talents that Indian sculptors possessed. After being buried for close to 700 years, it was discovered by E.B.Harris, a British railway engineer during railway construction in 1862, reports Telegraph . It is now kept at the Birmingham museum. 3.) The Amravati Marbles

How were ancient treasures stolen from ancient civilizations?

Many were simply stolen. When archaeological science took off in the late 1800s, unknown thousands of graves were excavated. When the Western art world fell in love with “primitive” art, collectors and dealers often resorted to extremes to obtain ancient treasures.

Why is mwazulu diyabanza taking artifacts from museums?

This law, although imperfect, has facilitated the return of some 1.7 million grave goods, 57,000 skeletons and 15,000 sacred and communally owned objects. And in France, Mwazulu Diyabanza, a Congolese activist, has taken the movement into his own hands. In “ To Protest Colonialism, He Takes Artifacts From Museums ,” Farah Nayeri writes: