To repatriate or not to repatriate: developing a guidance framework for assisting in the resolution of cultural property disputes

Repatriation is the process of returning cultural artefacts, sacred objects and human remains to countries, communities and indigenous peoples where a rightful claim has been established. Museums and other repositories may willingly repatriate items to those legitimately seeking their return and so no dispute is likely to arise. However repatriation is a process that has not been wholeheartedly embraced by a significant number of museums and other repositories who fear the wholesale dismantling of their collections. When requests for repatriation are rejected, disputes will often arise and there is currently no satisfactory method for resolving these. This research introduces the concept of a repatriation framework specifically designed to assist in the resolution of such disputes. Frequently museums declare that they will deal with repatriation claims on a case-by-case basis but give no indication as to the criteria to be used when making their decisions. The repatriation framework ensures that all arguments (Themes) put forward by those in dispute are fully explored and ‘measured’ in the decision-making process. This is achieved by allocating a points value to each of the five levels of relevancy within each Theme. This ensures that decisions concerning the most appropriate location for cultural property are made on a rational assessment of all the relevant evidence. The repatriation framework was tested by applying it to ‘real world’ repatriation disputes. Whilst it cannot offer an answer to every dispute, it will provide clear guidance as to the museum, country or community having the most convincing claim.

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

University of Bradford

Author dc:creator

• Metcalfe, Paul A.

Advisors dc:contributor.advisor

• Croucher, Karina
• Batt, Catherine M.

• Repatriation
• Culture
• Human remains
• Artefact
• Framework
• Museum
• Indigenous
• Cultural property
• Disputes

Statement dc:rights

• <a rel="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/"><img alt="Creative Commons License" style="border-width:0" src="http://i.creativecommons.org/l/by-nc-nd/3.0/88x31.png" /></a><br />The University of Bradford theses are licenced under a <a rel="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/">Creative Commons Licence</a>.

Language dc:language.iso

en

Repository record dc:identifier.uri

https://bradscholars.brad.ac.uk/handle/10454/20587

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:bradscholars.brad.ac.uk:10454/20587