Returning artworks to their countries of origin can be an incredibly delicate and complex process, writes Laura Raicovich. She spoke to curators about understanding an institution's limits and who to ask for help.
'Ever since Nigeria won its struggle for independence from colonial European rule in 1960, demands have been made for the return of the “Benin Bronzes,” a group of more than 1,000 bronze sculptures and plaques of great cultural and artistic value that were produced from the 13th century onwards.
These objects were looted during colonial-era wars in the late 19th century, sending many of the works to the nations of Europe, especially France and England. For years, strict French rules banning the repatriation of collections in state hands have stood in the way of their return, until recently when French Prime Minister Emmanuel Macron made repatriation a national priority by commissioning a special report released in November 2018 by Senegalese writer and academic Felwine Sarr and French historian Benedicte Savoy. The report recommended that the objects be returned through a three-step process of repatriation.' ... Keep reading on Hyperallergic
'Ever since Nigeria won its struggle for independence from colonial European rule in 1960, demands have been made for the return of the “Benin Bronzes,” a group of more than 1,000 bronze sculptures and plaques of great cultural and artistic value that were produced from the 13th century onwards.
These objects were looted during colonial-era wars in the late 19th century, sending many of the works to the nations of Europe, especially France and England. For years, strict French rules banning the repatriation of collections in state hands have stood in the way of their return, until recently when French Prime Minister Emmanuel Macron made repatriation a national priority by commissioning a special report released in November 2018 by Senegalese writer and academic Felwine Sarr and French historian Benedicte Savoy. The report recommended that the objects be returned through a three-step process of repatriation.' ... Keep reading on Hyperallergic