Repatriation of Stolen Artefacts
Introduction to the Committee
UNESCO is the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. It contributes to peace and security by promoting international cooperation in education, sciences, culture, communication and information. Many of their programmes contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals defined in the 2030 Agenda, adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2015.
Introduction to the Topic
A trip through most historical museums worldwide will reveal one commonality. Extensive rooms filled with artworks and artefacts from other world cultures. And although it may not seem like it, many of them may not have been procured through proper means.
Cultural Property
The term "cultural property," as defined in the 1970 Convention, refers to items that a state designates as important for archaeology, history, art, and more. Some argue that this definition is too narrow and oversimplifies culture as a collection of things tied to a group, as cultural property can also be seen as part of a state's "national cultural heritage," justifying repatriation if it ends up outside its rightful home. Therefore, it may be worth considering whether new forms of cultural property have emerged in recent decades that should be included.
In recent years, the focus has been increasingly placed on the return of this property— also known as repatriation — to their respective countries of origin. It is important to keep in mind that the issue of stolen artefacts extends far beyond the art world. It is a matter of irreplaceable cultural identity, as well as a bitter reminder of foreign occupation. When discussing these artefacts, the problem can be subdivided into two separate topics, corresponding to the time period when they were taken. Even today, there exists a vast network of black market art trade, with priceless artefacts often ending up in private collections worldwide. However, the ethical dilemma that has gained particular traction in UNESCO, which will be the focus of this topic block, is the return of historical artefacts taken in times of expansion and foreign occupation. Because these artefacts were taken so long ago, their legal status is often a bit hazy.
Looting and Plundering throughout the ages
Looting in Ancient Times
The practice of looting has existed as long as war itself. The earliest recorded cases date back to 1250 BCE, when the Elamites plundered an ancient Stele depicting King Naram-Sin of Akkad defeating the Lullubi people almost a thousand years earlier. These artefacts were often brought back as symbols of power and victory, as well as gifts to be displayed in the ruler’s place of residence. These artefacts were often not only of monetary value but also of immense cultural significance. An example of this importance lies within the story of the siege of Troy when two Greek soldiers snuck into a temple to Athena and stole a small carved figurine. It was widely believed in antiquity that the conquest of Troy was only possible because the city had lost its protective talisman. Although only a myth, it demonstrates the sacramental significance of relics in ancient times. Although just as important in current times as back then, these artefacts are often impossible to trace and therefore are harder to repatriate. Examples include the Romans and their many quests for expansion as well as the Inca Empire.
Modern Era
The majority of Artefacts currently under discussion are from more recent times. With the surge of Western expansion, many colonial powers started encountering rich and diverse cultures with valuable art and heritage. This encounter led to a significant increase in the acquisition of cultural artefacts. One of the primary motivators behind this surge was the desire for economic growth and prosperity. As explorers ventured into new lands, they would often bring back these cultural artefacts to be sold to private collections, thereby fueling the demand for such items. Additionally, the acquisition of important relics and artefacts was often seen as a display of cultural superiority. Many collectors sought to prove their own culture’s dominance by gathering objects from “lesser cultures”. It is important to note that this trend was not limited to traditional art alone, but also included the acquisition of mineral resources. A notable example of this can be seen in the crown jewels, a collection of 140 pieces that comprise a staggering total of 23,578 gemstones. Many of these gemstones were obtained through forceful means from various empires that the British colonised in the 19th century, exemplifying the extent of colonial acquisition during this time period.
In addition to the period of Colonisation, there was another significant factor that led to the extensive removal of cultural objects, and that was the need for preservation and research. During the Archaeology boom in Egypt in the early 20th century, numerous tombs were excavated and transported to Europe for in-depth examination. This was primarily because there was a prevailing belief in the Western world that their educational institutions possessed more resources and expertise in the field of conservation. As a result, these cultural artefacts were relocated to ensure their long-term protection and to facilitate further study. As time went on, these objects simply stayed in the possession of those who had found them, instead of being returned once finished.
Obstacles hindering repatriation
Repatriating stolen artefacts is a complex endeavour with multiple challenges. One major obstacle is the intricate legal framework governing ownership and restitution. Each country has its own laws and regulations, making the legal process convoluted. In many cases, the finders-keepers mentality is illegitimate, whereas in others it is applicable. Additionally, proving rightful ownership is often complicated due to a lack of concrete evidence and documentation, as well as the fact that the current population may in fact be ethnically closer to other countries than their own. An example of this would be the return of Assyrian sculptures, even though the majority have fled their ancestral homeland due to persecution under various other civilisations.
Resistance from museums and private collectors is another obstacle. Firstly, they argue that these artefacts have been part of their collections for centuries and are essential to their cultural heritage. Many museums argue that these artefacts belong there where they can actually be viewed by the public. Additionally, concerns about the security and preservation of these artefacts in their original countries fuel the resistance. Although this is less prevalent today, there are still certain disparities in safety and technological advancement, which could potentially damage the object in question.
Financial implications are also important to consider. Transporting and preserving these valuable artefacts is costly and requires huge amounts of effort which may not be as easily accessible in other countries. Added to this comes the fact that museums and collectors may face large losses in revenue should they lose possession of their more valuable pieces.
Addressing these challenges will inevitably require international collaboration and consideration for all sides of the picture.
Currently relevant examples
Elgin Marbles
The Elgin Marbles, also known as the Parthenon Marbles, are a collection of classical Greek marble sculptures and architectural elements that were removed from the Parthenon in Athens by Thomas Bruce, the 7th Earl of Elgin, between 1801 and 1812. These marbles are currently housed in the British Museum in London, and their ownership has been a subject of dispute between Greece and the United Kingdom for many years.
Treasures of lord Sipán
The Moche civilization, also known as the Mochica, thrived on the northern coast of what is now Peru from approximately the 1st to the 8th century CE. They are known for their remarkable artistic achievements, particularly in the creation of ceramics, metalwork, textiles, and other artefacts. One of the most famous was Huaca Rajada, where the tomb of lord Sipán was found. Many of the artefacts had already been sold to private collections, yet what remained became one of the largest discoveries in Peruvian archaeological history.
Benin Bronzes
The Benin Bronzes are a renowned collection of intricate brass and bronze sculptures, plaques, and artifacts that were created by the Edo people of the Kingdom of Benin, in present-day Nigeria, during the 16th and 17th centuries. Today, many of the Benin Bronzes are housed in museums and private collections around the world, particularly in Europe. Notably, a substantial number of them are held in the Ethnological Museum in Berlin. There have been many efforts to return the statues to Nigeria, with some being returned as recently as 2022
Interesting countries
England
Egypt
Greece
Turkey
Italy
France
Germany
Nigeria
Peru
Columbia
