Inconvenient Heritage: Colonial Collections and Restitution in the Netherlands and Belgium

There is an increasing debate about objects, ancestral remains, and archives from former colonial territories that have ended up in museums and private collections in Belgium and the Netherlands. Former colonies are calling for the return of their lost heritage, and governments and museums must decide what to do with these objects. The questions of how these objects got here, whether they are looted, and how restitution works in practice are complex and require a balanced discussion.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 248 pages
Publication date: 08 June 2022
Publisher: Amsterdam University Press

The debate surrounding objects, ancestral remains, and archives from former colonial territories is intensifying. Over centuries, a vast array of items, including a cannon from the King of Kandy, powerful objects from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Benin bronzes, Javanese temple statues, Maori heads, and strategic documents, have found their way into museums and private collections in Belgium and the Netherlands through improper means. Since attaining independence, former colonies have been fervently advocating for the repatriation of their lost heritage. As the continued possession of these objects becomes increasingly uncomfortable, governments and museums face a critical decision: what to do with them?

The origins of these objects remain a subject of intense scrutiny. Are they all the result of looting, and if so, how can we ascertain this truth? How does the process of restitution work in practice? Are there any notable examples of successful restitutions? How do other former colonial powers approach the issue of restitution? Do former colonies trust their intentions?

The answers to these questions are complex and multifaceted. While there may not be definitive solutions, a balanced and informed discussion is essential. By exploring these questions, we can gain a deeper understanding of the historical and ethical implications of the possession and repatriation of cultural artifacts from former colonial territories.

Weight: 538g
Dimension: 153 x 235 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789463720595