In a recent interview with the international news program Worldfocus, SAFE president Cindy Ho spoke about the controversy over the Parthenon sculptures (or “Elgin marbles”). Acknowledging the fact that SAFE focuses on looting of a nature other than what has been commonly ascribed to Lord Elgin, Ho used the opportunity to reiterate that the question of ownership and legality regarding cultural heritage is “only part of the picture”.
The question of ownership has been explored by SAFECORNER previously in the post To own or not to own: Is that the question? a distraction from the bigger issue: the discovery of our yet-unknown past through the proper excavation and protection of, ancient sites and tombs and burial grounds.
“Objects ripped out of the ground without proper documentation leave us voids of information that can never be filled. No paperwork can ever replace this loss.” Ho said, alluding to the legal debate over Elgin’s acquisition.
Speaking about long-term loans as a solution to home countries that are not in the position to maintain their cultural property Ho added, “But cooperation and sharing will need to depend on the quality of relationships between nations and their cultural institutions.”
Read the entire interview here.
Photo: Worldfocus
Friday, September 18, 2009
Question of ownership and legality “only part of the picture”
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Posts
3 comments:
I'm glad that SAFE is choosing to refocus this "debate" which quite frankly, seems to concern only those who are asserting ownership over something they know rightfully belongs to other people.
The fact that we are still "arguing" over whether the sculptures should go back to Greece is to me, a bit absurd. Like SAFE asserts, let's focus on what's happening now.
As to the British Museum, which still wants to hold onto these sculptures, I quote my 2-year old: "EWW!!!"
Respect for culture and heritage is very important. We live in a world that is full of turmoil on many fronts and it would be great to see museums practice an ethical approach to cultural objects such as the Parthenon Sculptures. So much more would be gained. The most important part of Museum's work in the future will be the fostering of creative cultural partnerships with other nations.
Marlen Taffarello on behalf of the British Committee for the Reunification of the Parthenon Marbles www.parthenonuk.com
In addition, though, there is the question of curatorial responsibility and the accessibility of the artwork to scholarly and public attention. After the opening of the new Athenian Acropolis museum in Athens mentioned in the article, visitors this summer were soon prohibited from taking pictures of any of the displays. If that is what Greek custody of the marbles would mean, then it is perhaps better for the rest of the world that the sculptures remain where they are.
Post a Comment