Where Do The "Goods" Go?

Lately in class we have been discussing repatriation and the returning of artefacts back to its place of origin. For example, if a museum in France has an precious statue from Greece, and they Greek want it back as it is part of their culture and history. Artefacts are not only historically important, but they are also culturally important.


While it is extremely important to respect the people of different cultures and their right to the artifacts of their ancestry and country, archaeologist also needs many of these artifacts for knowledge and understanding to progress. With both sides in mind, how do we find a balance?

The Rosetta Stone

I think every culture have a right to retain back what properly belongs to them, however, I also believe the artefacts well-being should be the most important thing. For example, with the Rosetta Stone which is from Egypt, found by French archaeologist and is now in the British museum. Who should get it? While many exclaim that it should obviously return back to Egypt, there are many who argue that it is not safe in Egypt as there has been such an extreme amount of museum robberies in the Middle East.

We have to hold on to our few precious remains from ancient times, so we must do our best to protect and preserve them, even if that does mean a few angry tribesmen.