Imperialism, Art and Restitution

The issue of returning art and cultural property removed from explored or conquered lands by Americans and Europeans is an unresolved problem. This book is about the return, or not, of works of art and antiquity taken during the Age of Imperialism and now held in museums and private collections. Arguments put forth by the states seeking return or restitution for lost art treasures and meaningful cultural icons are pitted against conservator interests who maintain that these art treasures and cultural artefacts belong to all humanity and should be preserved in museums. In this volume, scholars and authorities on art, cultural property law and museum collections offer contrasting views on topics such as the Elgin Marbles, the return of the Nefertiti Bust and the problems and progress of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA).

The issue of returning art and cultural property removed from explored or conquered lands by Americans and Europeans is an unresolved problem. This book is about the return, or not, of works of art and antiquity taken during the Age of Imperialism and now held in museums and private collections. Arguments put forth by the states seeking return or restitution for lost art treasures and meaningful cultural icons are pitted against conservator interests who maintain that these art treasures and cultural artefacts belong to all humanity and should be preserved in museums. In this volume, scholars and authorities on art, cultural property law and museum collections offer contrasting views on topics such as the Elgin Marbles, the return of the Nefertiti Bust and the problems and progress of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA).