Freakonomics – 543. How to Return Stolen Art

Intro

In this episode of Freakonomics, host Stephen Dubner explores the topic of repatriating stolen art, focusing on the case of the Benin bronzes looted by Britain from the historic Kingdom of Benin in what is now Nigeria. Dubner interviews Patricia Allen, the curator of world cultures at Glasgow Museums, who has been actively working on repatriation and restitution during the lockdown period. Together, they discuss the ethical considerations, challenges, and potential solutions surrounding the return of stolen cultural artifacts.

Main Takeaways

Repatriation of Benin Bronzes

• Glasgow Museums’ curator of world cultures, Patricia Allen, is responsible for non-European objects in their collections, including Benin bronzes.
• Benin bronzes are artworks and artifacts looted by Britain from the historic Kingdom of Benin in what is now Nigeria.
• The British Museum has refused to return stolen acts from Benin despite repeated requests from Nigeria.
• Many other institutions, including Glasgow Museums, have begun to repatriate their Benin pieces.
• Glasgow Museums have committed to returning 19 Benin objects to Nigeria, as well as other artifacts to the Lakota tribe and India.

Ethical Considerations and Cultural Heritage

• Patricia Allen questioned whether the British had a right to store and hoard non-British cultural heritage.
• Many non-European artifacts are not given the same status as European art and are not displayed as frequently.
• African countries had been caring for and preserving their art for hundreds of years before the British arrived.
• Looting is a big issue in both archaeology and museum collections.
• Many artifacts in museums were plundered during an era when plunder was the norm.

Repatriation Challenges and Solutions

• Repatriation of ill-gotten objects is not always straightforward, with issues around potential claimants and judgments about where the objects will end up.
• Glasgow Museums created criteria to guide the repatriation process, including status of those making the request, continuity between communities, cultural/historical/religious importance, and acquisition by the museum.
• The fate of the object returned is no longer a criterion.
• Museums may hold objects on loan instead of transferring ownership to the repatriating country.
• Repatriation paired with lease agreements can help resolve disputes around contested artifacts.

Implications and Future Perspectives

• The Black Lives Matter movement has sparked interest in cultural repatriation and restitution of objects.
• Lonnie G. Bunch III believes that the struggle for fairness in America is a perpetual struggle.
• The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture has implemented a new collections policy prioritizing ethical considerations.
• The Smithsonian repatriated 20 Benin objects to Nigeria and will keep nine on long-term loan.
• Market Design, a branch of economics, can offer ways to reduce the size of the black market for antiquities and protect African art.

Summary

Repatriation of Stolen Art: Restoring Cultural Heritage

Patricia Allen, curator of world cultures at Glasgow Museums, discusses the ongoing repatriation efforts surrounding the Benin bronzes, artworks and artifacts looted by Britain from the historic Kingdom of Benin. Despite the British Museum’s refusal to return stolen acts from Benin, many institutions, including Glasgow Museums, have started repatriating their Benin pieces. The ethical considerations surrounding the hoarding of non-British cultural heritage by British museums are questioned, highlighting the disparities in the treatment of non-European artifacts. The challenges of repatriation, including potential claimants and the fate of the returned objects, are explored, along with the potential solutions of lease agreements and market design strategies. The Black Lives Matter movement has further ignited interest in cultural repatriation, emphasizing the ongoing struggle for fairness and justice.

The Smithsonian’s Approach to Repatriation and Ethical Considerations

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture has implemented a new collections policy prioritizing ethical considerations in acquiring and maintaining collections. Through negotiations with the Nigerian government, the Smithsonian repatriated 20 Benin objects to Nigeria and will keep nine on long-term loan. The museum aims to share authority and be shaped by the community, collecting people’s stories along with material artifacts. Additionally, the museum explores the complicated legacy of Thomas Jefferson, highlighting the contradictions in his life and legacy, including his ownership of slaves. The Smithsonian’s commitment to tackling hard questions and engaging with contemporary issues reflects the evolving role of museums in society.

Conclusion

The repatriation of stolen art, such as the Benin bronzes, raises important ethical considerations and challenges for museums worldwide. As cultural heritage becomes a focal point of discussions surrounding justice and fairness, institutions like Glasgow Museums and the Smithsonian are actively engaging in repatriation efforts and implementing ethical collections policies. The ongoing struggle for fairness and the need for museums to have a contemporary resonance underscore the importance of addressing the complexities surrounding cultural repatriation. By actively seeking solutions and engaging with communities, museums can play a vital role in restoring cultural heritage and fostering a more inclusive and equitable future.