Repatriate in the sense of artefacts means ‘the return of art or cultural objects, usually referring to ancient or looted art, to their country of origin or former owners (or their heirs).’ This can also be described as ‘to make something whole again’- now this really struck me as it showed me that this artifacts aren’t just something that are worth a lot of money, no, these are part of a country’s culture. These objects help to shape a country, give it a past and a background; it provides a standing ground for a country- why should we have the choice to deny these people and countries part of their national identity? What right do we have to do that?
One of the most famous examples of an argument over repatriation of artifacts relates to the marble sculptures (the Elgin marbles) removed by the British in 1803 from the Parthenon. The fact is the Greeks had both legal and moral claims over these ancient artifacts. In the US antiquity that was exported and also excavated illegally is defined as stolen property. One can very easily argue that these marble statues are stolen property and they were seized by British explorers and have not been returned. However I find that the moral arguments for the return of these marbles far more effective as the Parthenon is now a thriving tourist attraction that teaches many about the culture and history of the ancient temple and world. By not having these statues one can argue once more about the incompleteness of the temple and therefore the culture and history. The temple both can and should be made whole again- therefore in this sense I believe that repatriation is an expression of justice.
The other side’s main argument will be that by taking these objects and historical artifacts they were coincidentally protecting them as well. They might argue that they have been taken into museums care and have been properly managed and looked after so that education can be a result of taking these artifacts.
Our side is not saying nor arguing against the fact that the original removal of many of these cultural artifacts may not have been a good thing - the protection of these historical artifacts in fundamental. It is a good thing that many of these have been protected from the horrors of wars, looting and destruction. We are simply arguing for these artifacts to be repatriated once these countries have reestablished themselves. However, we argue that once these countries have been reestablished and have put in necessary protections over their artifacts they should be returned. So that not only does the place become whole once again but also their culture and history has been strengthened and nationalism is promoted.
We need to face the fact the British Imperialism is dead and therefore we cannot keep using it’s regimes and reason to help us keep a hold of things that belong to others.