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| Nefertiti worshipping the Aten. She is given the title of Lordess of the Two Lands. On display at the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford Photo from http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/59/Queen_Nefertiti%2C_Limestone_relief.jpg |
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| The Rosetta Stone Photo from http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/23/Rosetta_Stone.JPG
Elgin Marbles “originated in Greece” (Madeline, 2011, p. 1) and the Rosetta
Stone originated in “Egypt and is an essential part of Egyptian heritage” (Madeline, 2011, p. 1). Should
art work such as these be returned to their home origin? These national treasures “were created by the
people and rightfully people of those countries” (Madeline, 2011, p. 1) are entitled
to them. But could relocating the
artifacts cause them repairable damage?
“There is a legacy in the art world
that if it has been proven that a piece of art was stolen, it must be returned to
its original owners,” (Madeline, 2011,
p. 1), but “absolute proof that ancient art was stolen a hundred or more
years ago is difficult” (Madeline, 2011, p. 1).
But in the case of the Elgin Marbles there is documented proof that he “returned
with them after his trip to Greece” (Madeline,
2011, p. 1).
I agree with Dr. Zahi Hawass, “head of
the Supreme Council of Antiquities of Egypt (Madeline, 2011, p. 1) that Nefertiti’s
Tomb are “Egyptian monuments” (Madeline, 2011, p. 1 ) and rightfully belong in
Egypt but I also agree with British Museum Director Neil MacGregor “The world
benefits by being able to see ancient Greek and Egyptian art” (Madeline, 2011,
p. 1).
“Though giving the art back would solve the ethical question
of past looting” (Madeline, 2011, p.1) it would also be “a great loss for people who enjoy visiting these
museums and seeing a wide variety of art” (Madeline, 2011, p. 1). I agree with Dr. Joseph Kechichian, Adjunct
Professor of U.S.-Middle East Relations at Pepperdine University and Honorary
Consul of the Sultanate of Oman in Los Angeles, ”giving back all the pieces not
only will change how museums work but it may also eliminate the possibility of seeing the art
altogether” (Madeline, 2011, p. 1).
American would “end up appreciating only American art” (Madeline, 2011, p. 1). This I feel would be a great loss, the museum
is a great place to learn about history, culture and can even have a great
influence on the future.
Another factor to consider in when
deciding to return the art work to its origin country is the art works integrity. Will the artifacts encore permanent damage
as a result of the long voyage? Can we
really protect the art? Do we really
want to take the chance of possible causing irrevocable damage? We all know were
the pieces originated simply by looking at them. Could it be that there is another solution to
the problem? Would it be best in name of art appreciation to keep the art were
it is and instead of returning it to its place or origin, which could cause irrevocable
damage, could we instead give the country of origin recognition and gratuities?
References
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