Cultural Property

Analytical Essay # 113867

Anthropology > Cultural
Archaeology
Art

Cultural Property

Discusses the U.S. policy on the trade and repatriation of cultural property.

2,665 words () | 19 sources | MLA | 2009 United States

Paper Summary:

This paper defines cultural property and the problem of unprovenanced artifacts, which cannot be traced to their countries of origin and therefore have no legal implications as to their acquisitions by private citizens or corporations. The author presents several precedents, which are limiting this unprovenanced artifact loophole as a legal defense for antiquities dealers. The long-term effects of the repatriation of cultural objects to their countries of origin are also evaluated.

Table of Contents:
Defining Cultural Property
The Issue of the "Unprovenanced" Artifact
Precedent-Setting Cases
NAGPRA
Concerns for Preservation in Country of Origin
Negative Effects of War, Positive Effects of the AFCP
Repatriation Creating a "Narrow Cultural Corridor"?
Consequences of Museum Compliance
In Summary

From the Paper:

"While the process of repatriating objects to Italy was still in progress, in 2005, Marion True, who was then antiquities curator of the Getty museum, Marion True was accused of conspiracy to illegally traffic items looted from Italy with antiquities dealer Robert Hecht. In Rome, the trial against True and Hecht remains ongoing despite the repatriation of objects from the Getty that the prosecution claimed were knowingly obtained from illegal sources. If she is found guilty for the charges pressed against her by Italy, True could face up to ten years in jail."

Sample of Sources Used:

Barrett, Randy. "Bits and Pieces." National Journal. 49.22 (2007): 3. Academic Search Premier. EBSCOhost. URI Lib., Kingston, RI. 23 Mar. 2009 http://www.ebscohost.com.helin.uri.edu/
Bonn-Muller, Eti. "Museums Return Looted Artifacts." Archaeology. 61.1 (2008): 54. Academic Search Premier. EBSCOhost. URI Lib., Kingston, RI. 23 Mar. 2009 http://www.ebscohost.com.helin.uri.edu/
Brodie, Neil, and Colin Renfrew. "Looting and The World's Archaeological Heritage: The Inadequate Response." Annual Review of Anthropology. 34 (2005): 343-361. Academic Search Premier. EBSCOhost. URI Lib., Kingston. 9 Feb. 2009 <http://ebscohost.com.helin.uri.edu/>.
Hawass, Zahi. "A New Era for Museums in Egypt." Museum International 57.2 (2005): 7-23. Academic Search Premier. EBSCOhost. URI Lib., Kingston. 9 Feb. 2009 <http://ebscohost.com.helin.uri.edu/>.
LaFranchi, Howard. "Iraq's Antiquities Garner International Attention." The Christian Science Monitor. 19 May 2008: World 1+. LexisNexis Academic. LexisNexis Academic Universe (URI). URI Lib., Kingston. 10 Feb. 2009. < http://www.lexisnexis.com.helin.uri.edu/>.