Contested Holdings: Museum Collections in Political, Epistemic and Artistic Processes of Return

The authors aim to historicize and bring depth to contemporary debates on the return of material culture and human remains, exploring contested holdings and their connections between different museum collections.

Format: Hardback
Length: 286 pages
Publication date: 14 February 2022
Publisher: Berghahn Books

Beyond the realm of mere legal considerations and property-oriented discussions, restitution takes on a broader significance within the context of processes of return that impact museums, collections, notions of heritage, and the status of objects. Spanning a diverse range of case studies and traversing a global landscape, the authors seek to historicize and enrich contemporary debates surrounding both the return of material culture and human remains. These contested holdings, encompassing a spectrum of museum collections, from fine arts to physical anthropology, unveil interconnected threads linking the treatment and conceptualization of these diverse realms within the museum world.

Restitution extends beyond the confines of legal matters and property-centric discussions, encompassing a broader spectrum of processes that affect museums, collections, notions of heritage, and the status of objects. This multifaceted exploration is conducted through a diverse range of case studies, spanning a global geography. The authors' primary objective is to historicize and deepen contemporary discussions related to the return of material culture and human remains.

Within this framework, restitution is characterized as contested holdings, encompassing a wide array of museum collections that span various disciplines, from fine arts to physical anthropology. These collections serve as interconnected points, bridging the gaps between traditionally separate realms within the museum world. By examining these diverse holdings, the authors aim to shed light on the complex dynamics and considerations involved in the treatment and conceptualization of these collections.

The concept of restitution extends beyond the realm of tangible objects and encompasses the return of intangible cultural heritage, such as oral traditions, customs, and knowledge systems. Recognizing the significance of preserving and revitalizing these heritage elements, restitution efforts aim to rectify historical injustices, promote cultural diversity, and ensure the rightful ownership and control of cultural assets.

Furthermore, restitution involves considerations of ethical and social dimensions, as it involves the redistribution of cultural property and the reclamation of human remains. It raises questions about the appropriate balance between cultural heritage preservation, scientific research, and the interests of affected communities. Restitution processes often involve complex negotiations, legal frameworks, and international cooperation, as they involve the transfer of cultural assets across borders and the resolution of historical disputes.

In conclusion, restitution is a multifaceted and complex issue that encompasses legal, property, cultural, ethical, and social dimensions. It involves the return of material culture, human remains, and intangible cultural heritage, aiming to rectify historical injustices, promote cultural diversity, and ensure the rightful ownership and control of cultural assets. Through a comprehensive examination of case studies and a global geography, restitution contributes to a deeper understanding of the complexities and challenges associated with the processes of return and their impact on museums, collections, heritage, and object status.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781800734234