Why are stolen African artifacts still in Western museums?

The remains include thousands of Africans’ skulls. These collections of African remains are reminders of scientific racism and the creation of human zoos which took place as recently as 1958, when living people from Congo were put on display for a world fair event.

Should we return artifacts taken from countries in the past?

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.

What did Britain steal from Africa?

Like other European powers, Britain rushed to control African land not just for palm oil but also gold, ivory, diamonds, cotton, rubber and coal.

How do museums get their artifacts?

Most commonly, museums get the artifacts they need for an exhibit by either buying or borrowing them. Museum curators locate and evaluate potential artifact acquisitions. They may find desired artifacts in the hands of individual collectors, antique dealers or auction houses.

How many stolen artifacts are in the British Museum?

The British Museum is among 160 institutions worldwide to hold some of the 10,000 items stolen from Benin, which was annexed by the British Empire into what is now southern Nigeria, after a violent invasion by an expeditionary force of 1,200 personnel.

Do you consider artifacts as important treasures in a certain country why?

Yes because… Artefacts belong to their country of origin; repatriation is the right thing to do. They have a unique connection with the place where they were produced and are an essential part of the cultural history of that area.

Why should artifacts stay in museums?

The museum is transparent about the history and the creation of the artifacts, educating the public about them. At the end of the day, to pass the value down to future generations, an artifact should stay where it can be preserved the best over time, regardless of museums, countries, and political beliefs.

Why do you need artifacts?

Museum Director Elaine Gurian suggests that artifacts provide us a way into history. “Objects, in their tangibility,” she writes, “provide a variety of stakeholders with an opportunity to debate the meaning and control of their memories.” Artifacts are the touchstones that bring memories and meanings to life.

Why do you think preserving a national art or artifact is important to a certain country?

It is important to preserve artifacts from historical events so we can remember, learn about and honor those who were involved. When an artifact is conserved to retain its current condition, it preserves the truth of the historical story for generations to come.

How did African artifacts get to Europe?

Starting in the 1870s, thousands of African sculptures arrived in Europe in the aftermath of colonial conquest and exploratory expeditions. They were placed on view in museums such as the Musée d’Ethnographie du Trocadéro, founded in 1878 in Paris, and its counterparts in other European cities.

What stolen artifacts are still in museums today?

Famous stolen artifacts that are still in museums today include the Rosetta Stone displayed at the British Museum, The Bust of Nefertiti kept at the Neues Museum in Berlin, and many more.

What percentage of African artifacts are kept outside of Africa?

According to the most commonly cited figures from a 2007 UNESCO forum, 90\% to 95\% of sub-Saharan cultural artifacts are housed outside Africa. Many, like the works from Benin, were taken during the colonial period and ended up in museums across Europe and North America.

Did the British steal African artifacts from Aboriginal Australians?

Around the same time as the British Museum announced that it will loan Nigeria its own artifacts, a protest theatre group called “BP Or Not BP?” organized a “Stolen Goods Tour” at the British Museum. The tour highlighted artifacts like the Gwaegal shield, which the British stole from Aboriginal Australians in the late 18th century.

Where are the artifacts of Africa’s anti-colonial heroes?

It was a moment of victory for the descendants of the anti-colonial hero, who have been demanding the return of his artifacts since 1944. The artifacts including the saber, manuscripts, jewels are mostly spread out across three of France’s largest museums. Up to 90\% of Sub-Saharan Africa’s material cultural legacy is outside of the continent.