This podcast episode Exhibiting Africa: The Politics of Museums has sparked something in me. I had not previously thought about how things were acquired other than things being dug up or donated. How the curators of the Museum create and showcase the artifacts influence what visitors believe about Africa. Objects acquired during colonial rule have the responsibility to have labels that say how they were acquired. Currently, most labels omit how materials are acquired. That in itself, can reshape the story that is being told or shared. Exhibits have the power to influence how people perceive
I was not even aware of the differences between repatriation, restitution, and reparation. Repatriation: The return or restoration of people, cultural property, human remains, or historical artifacts to their native country, land, or community of origin. Restitution: The act of restoring a specific, stolen, or illicitly acquired object or right to its rightful owner or original context. Reparations: A broad, comprehensive framework of measures meant to repair, compensate, and transform the lives of victims after major systemic harms, war crimes, or crimes against humanity. The audacity that one would deny returning artifacts just to be told by the thief, they can not return it because they do not think the originators will take care of it is absurd.
I like the idea of institutions offering to return objects to its country or community. I think a fee should be associated if the institution wants to keep it. There should be a Council or Guild from the country of origin that includes descendants, traditionalists, artists, educators, and museum professionals that can help curate and shape the story being told that includes how the artifact was acquired. Addressing theft and coercion in museums should be posted, so audience members are aware that this process is happening, has happened and the ethical ways it is being corrected or not. Once again, stories have two sides. You have to be aware of who is telling the story and what story are they telling.
