Discussion Group – October 2021

The Discussion Group met on Monday 11th October at Anne’s house to talk about the repatriation of artworks and other artifacts. Many views were expressed. It was accepted that many items had been brought to first world countries in past times under circumstances of dubious legality, frequently outright theft and sometimes as spoils of war, clearly unacceptable by today’s standards, but often unremarkable at the time. Many artifacts had been preserved that might otherwise have suffered destruction or damage in their original settings.

However, in the light of current appreciation of both cultural sensitivities and the availability of the technology for the accurate reproduction of many types of artworks re-homing them in their original environments would be the best option where proper preservation and access for research and public display can be assured so far as possible. The problems of identifying stable political regimes which can provide the necessary environment for preservation were noted Where there are multiple items, most could be returned, leaving some originals for research with copies being quite adequate for the public to appreciate. All human remains should be returned without question where the descendant population still exist.

Any suggestions that countries outside the West would be unable to look after the artefacts of their own culture must be questioned, and indeed often appear insulting. The return of items taken as spoils of war and those which would be of cultural significance to the descends of those who produced them would be a huge political, diplomatic and ethical step forward. No encyclopaedic museums can display everything they hold, so retaining some samples for research whilst repatriating significant amounts should be possible and scientific researchers are better able to visit collections wherever they are.

So far as it is possible the rotation of exhibits between cultural institutions to allow for the widest possible audience should also be a priority.

Having solved another major world problem in the space of a morning, we dispersed for lunch.

Michael Heyden, Convenor

Please note, views expressed by the Discussion Group may not represent those of the wider Dawlish and District u3a membership.