Should stolen artifacts be returned?

It is morally correct, and reflects basic property laws, that stolen or looted property should be returned to its rightful owner. Cultural objects belong together with the cultures that created them; these objects are a crucial part of contemporary cultural and political identity.

How many Benin bronzes are there?

There are over 900 objects from the historic Kingdom of Benin in the British Museum’s collection. Over 100 can be seen in a permanent changing display within the Museum’s galleries.

Are antiquarians archaeologists?

An antiquarian or antiquary (from the Latin: antiquarius, meaning pertaining to ancient times) is an aficionado or student of antiquities or things of the past. The Oxford English Dictionary first cites “archaeologist” from 1824; this soon took over as the usual term for one major branch of antiquarian activity.

What stolen artifacts are still in museums today?

Famous stolen artifacts that are still in museums today include the Rosetta Stone displayed at the British Museum, The Bust of Nefertiti kept at the Neues Museum in Berlin, and many more.

What are some famous artifacts that have been pillaged?

Here are nine famous examples of pillaged artifacts that are still displayed in museums in imperialist countries to this day. 1. The Rosetta Stone A granodiorite stele that dates to 196 BCE, the Rosetta Stone may be the single most influential Egyptological discovery in history.

How many Italian artifacts have been recovered?

In 2014 alone, Viviano notes, the officers recovered around 130,000 artifacts worth more than $500 million. There is still plenty of work left to do: As the Guardian reports, more than one million Italian artifacts remain missing today.

Which countries are involved in the search for ancient artifacts?

Police from France, Britain, Germany and Serbia assisted Italian authorities with the operation. Eighty home searches yielded artifacts from as early as the 4th century B.C. The recovered items include ancient jars, plates and jewelry worth millions of euros.