The authors of an influential report on colonial-era artefacts, which recommended a restitution programme to transfer hundreds of items from European institutions to Africa, have criticised the British Museum for acting like “an ostrich with its head in the sand”. “It’s not enough because in a loan the right of the property belongs to you,” said Sarr. “If you can loan your objects you are respected in the museum world because you can impose your will and conditions. The Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam has opened talks with Sri Lanka and Indonesia and described the Netherlands’ failure to return stolen artefacts as a “disgrace”. There are always ruptures when you break a taboo.”Facebook Twitter Pinterest Plaques that form part of the Benin bronzes on display at the British Museum.

Source: The Guardian June 21, 2019 09:45 UTC