Should we celebrate when archaeological objects are returned to their countries of origin?
No ... and yes.
No, because the damage has already been done. The archaeological contexts cannot be reconstructed. The scientific information held in the ground for thousands of years has gone for good. Our cultural heritage has been destroyed.
Yes, because returning objects send out a clear signal to museums (and private collectors) that they should not be acquiring objects that have no recorded "history". For lack of "history" can so often indicate recently surfaced objects that have been torn from their resting place.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Repatriation and loss of context
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