GLOBAL: Cultural treasures should be returned to their areas of origin

In the British Museum, visitors marvel at the Rosetta Stone, a priceless artifact that unlocked the secrets of ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs. Yet, its journey to London is steeped in controversy—taken by British forces after defeating Napoleon in Egypt. How do artifacts like this end up in far-off museums? Should cultural treasures remain in global institutions or be returned to the communities they originated from?

Welcome to your Dinner Table Debates Daily Deep Dive, where we explore real topics from our decks and give you everything you need to debate, in under 10 minutes. Today's topic is “Cultural treasures should be returned to their areas of origin” and comes from our Full Size Essentials Collection deck. Let’s dig in.

Cultural treasures include artifacts, artworks, and relics that hold historical, spiritual, or artistic value for a particular culture. Throughout history, many of these treasures have been removed—often during colonization, war, or illicit trade—and placed in foreign museums and private collections. Greece has long sought the return of the Parthenon Marbles from the United Kingdom. International laws like the 1970 UNESCO Convention aim to curb the illicit trade of cultural property and encourage restitution. Despite this, the debate continues. Some argue that these artifacts should be returned to their homelands, where they have deeper cultural and historical significance. Others believe that global museums make such treasures accessible to a wider audience and protect them from potential neglect or conflict. A real-life example is the ongoing dispute between Ethiopia and the United Kingdom over the return of treasures looted during the 1868 British expedition to Maqdala, including sacred manuscripts and crowns. These cases illustrate the complexities surrounding ownership and cultural property.

This debate strikes at the heart of identity, history, and justice. Cultural treasures are not just objects; they are symbols of heritage and pride for nations and communities. Deciding where they belong impacts international relationships, tourism, education, and even how we view history itself.

Now, let’s debate.

Supporters of returning cultural treasures argue that it helps communities reclaim their history and cultural pride. For example, Greece’s request for the Parthenon Marbles isn’t just about art—it’s about restoring a piece of their national identity. Many treasures were taken under unethical circumstances, such as looting during war or colonization. Returning them is an act of reparative justice. Ethiopia’s claim for Maqdala treasures highlights this, as these items were seized violently. Additionally, artifacts are best understood and appreciated in their original cultural and geographical context. For example, Native American ceremonial items often lose their spiritual significance when displayed in museums rather than in their communities.

On the other hand, opponents argue that museums in major cities make cultural treasures accessible to a wider audience, fostering global understanding and appreciation. The British Museum, for instance, attracts millions of visitors annually who learn about cultures worldwide. Some also highlight preservation concerns. Returning artifacts to regions experiencing political instability or inadequate preservation facilities risks their safety. The Bamiyan Buddhas in Afghanistan, destroyed in 2001, illustrate what can happen when cultural heritage isn’t adequately protected. Others point to complex ownership histories. Many artifacts have passed through multiple hands over centuries, making rightful ownership difficult to determine. For instance, the Rosetta Stone was discovered by French soldiers, then taken by the British. Who, then, is its rightful owner?

Rebuttals add further complexity to the discussion. While returning treasures may seem just, it risks oversimplifying complex historical relationships. Many artifacts were legally acquired through treaties or transactions of their time. At the same time, concerns about preservation might be mitigated through modern technology and funding partnerships that help countries develop state-of-the-art facilities, ensuring that returned artifacts are well-preserved.

In recent years, several artifacts have been repatriated. In 2021, France returned 26 artifacts to Benin, marking a significant shift in attitudes toward restitution. Meanwhile, Germany announced plans to return Benin Bronzes to Nigeria, sparking discussions about other nations following suit. However, these cases also underline challenges like legal frameworks and logistical hurdles.

Want to dig into this topic even more? When you’re playing Dinner Table Debates at home, you can have the Agree side set the stage and define the debate. They could argue that cultural treasures taken during colonial rule should be returned. This raises questions about how we define colonial-era artifacts and whether restitution should apply only to items taken without consent. Others might argue that cultural treasures of religious significance should be prioritized for return, raising the question of how to differentiate religious artifacts from others. Another potential framing is that cultural treasures should be shared through rotating exhibits, opening discussions about the logistics of shared ownership and whether this model could satisfy both sides of the debate.

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