British Museum 'Contested Objects'

Parthenon Sculptures

One of the most famous items in The British Museum, the 'Parthenon Sculptures', often referred to as the 'Elgin Marbles', were taken from Athens by Lord Elgin between 1801 and 1805. He was acting under the authority of a permit, with his actions gaining ratification, at least from a British perspective, through the investigation of the Parliamentary Select Committee in 1816. However, the legitimacy of his actions have been heavily disputed.

These marbles, dating to the 5th century BCE, are of great cultural value to the Greeks and there has been a perennial debate over their repatriation.

The British Museum's website believes that their exhibit compliments the Acropolis Museum and 'offers a sense of the wider cultural context'.

Moai

Brought from Easter Island by the crew of HMS Topaze under the captaincy of Richard Powell in 1868, there are two moai statues that reside in The British Museum.

The moai statues are believed to be 'aringa ora', which refers to the living faces of their ancestors. One of these statues is called Hoa Hakananai, literally translating to 'stolen friend'. It was excavated in the ceremonial village of Orongo and is heavily linked to the religion of tangata manu.

The British Museum believe that the statues' presence in London helps 'influence public understanding of the history of Rapa Nui'.

What do you think? Is this sufficient justification?

Maqdala Collection

The Maqdala Collection holds 80 artefacts from north Ethiopia, where Emperor Tewodros II built a treasury, library and fortress in the second half of the nineteenth century CE.

Objects from this collection include crosses and chalices, as well as some of the finest examples of Ethiopian craftsmanship ever uncovered. Many of these items have strong spiritual connotations for Ethiopians, so there is discontent amongst many at their lodging in The British Museum.

Once again, the British Museum's official position rests on the idea of heightening the awareness of this culture/heritage. They also stress their long-standing relationship with Ethiopian official bodies, such as the Ethiopian Orthodox Church in London.

Aboriginal Shield

This red mangrove shield from the late 18th/early 19th century is likely from the New South Wales region in Australia. It is thought to have arrived at The British Museum as part of a large corpus sent from the colony at Port Jackson.

An aboriginal man by the name of Rodney Kelly has requested the repatriation of this shield, but to no avail. The British Museum do, however, state that they would be willing to lend the item.

Should an aboriginal item not remain permanently within the aboriginal community? Or should it remain in The British Museum where it can be more widely viewed?

Asante Gold Regalia

The British Museum is currently home to the biggest collection of objects from the Kingdom of Asante, a region within modern Ghana.

These items have huge cultural significance and their function revolved primarily around ceremonial practices and royalty.

These objects are inextricably linked to British colonialism, as a number of them were looted from the capital, Kumasi, during the Anglo-Asante wars, which saw five confrontations.

As recently as January 2024, an agreement was made that will see a major long-term loan of items made to Kumasi, allowing the items to be celebrated as part of the king's silver jubilee.

Back to the British Museum

Having looked at the British Museum's 'contentious objects' (as their website describes these objects), and looking at this map, what is your overriding feeling?

Are slogans such as 'Stolen Land, Stolen Culture, Stolen Climate' fair criticisms to be levelled? Or is there an argument to be had that The British Museum allows these incredible items to be viewed more easily and permits the safe maintenance and display of items?