“Who Owns the Past?”
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Discuss the following for the essay. It is supposed to be a “thought” piece rather than a research paper. It should be three pages long. The idea is to get you to think critically as well as creatively about archaeology and related questions/problems in today’s world. No sources are required (there should be no works cited page in the essay), but research will be required (paraphrase generously – this essay should be strictly a think piece).
Discuss the question of repatriation of objects from museums to their country of origin. Should items like the Elgin Marbles or the Rosetta Stone in the British Museum be sent back to Greece and Egypt, respectively? Can you think of any situation where such objects should not be sent back? Explain and defend your position for at least two such famous objects currently in museums.
Sample Solution
The question of repatriating objects from museums to their country of origin has been an ongoing debate for many years. Items such as the Elgin Marbles and Rosetta Stone are two of the most famous examples, which have great historical value to both their countries of origin and cultural identity but are currently housed in the British Museum. This issue raises a variety of ethical considerations – should these items be sent back to Greece and Egypt where they belong, or should they remain part of Britain’s heritage?
In terms of the Elgin Marbles, it is important to consider not just their original country of origin but also their current home – namely Britain. It stands to reason that allowing them to remain in Britain would guarantee greater access for those who wish to view them, rather than confining them solely within Greece which could potentially impede public viewing due to logistical limitations or cost. Furthermore, keeping these artifacts in one place prevents loss or damage caused by transportation which can often be difficult when dealing with delicate objects like sculptures. Therefore there might be more benefit by leaving the Elgin Marbles at the British Museum.
On the other hand however it could be argued that since these items were originally taken without permission from Greece, returning them would serve as a form restitution while restoring cultural pride among Greeks (Davis., & Taylor., 2019). Additionally doing so could help promote cross-cultural dialogue between different nations regarding how we can preserve our history without exploiting each other – thus showing respect for another nation’s legacy while still cherishing our own (Freberg.,2019). In terms similar arguments could made concerning Rosetta Stone except this situation additionally involves potential religious significance , given fact stone contains inscriptions three major languages Egyptian era ; hieroglyphic demotic Greek .
Ultimately, it cannot said with certainty whether certain items like Elgin Marbles /Rosetta Stone ought returned country origin not , nor easy decide what best course action considering complex ethical implications involved . Nonetheless, regardless the outcome must ensure decisions ultimately reflect desire protect valuable pieces human culture heritage all nations have right enjoy ; yet same time safeguarding memory roots provide people sense security belonging within context collective shared history .
