African Art and Repatriation

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses the issues surrounding cultural and artistic repatriation, which remains one of the most contentious debates within the international archaeological and artistic community. The paper specifically discusses the Lega figure and the arguments for and against its repatriation, for cultural reasons, to the people of Congo. The paper then draws a conclusion as to the best course of action to take, regarding this piece of work.

Table of Contents:
Basic Criteria For Repatriation
Argument In Favor Of The Return Of The Selected Object
Argument Against The Return Of The Selected Object
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"However, merely because using the Lega figure as teaching tools in museums to different nations of the world does not justify the cultural loss to the people of the Congo, who originated these works to be part of their religious tradition, not as artifacts to teach the nations who exerted colonial domination over their territories. Also, even if the Lega figures are individualistic, this does not take away from their ritual significance. Finally, the idea that Western art scholars only approved of the Lega after recognizing the individual component added by certain creators shows that the Lega remain judged by Western standards, and not by the indigenous standards of their local community--the repatriation and relocation of the works may be necessary so the world can be educated in the contextual significance of these figures as well as judged by Western standards."

Sample of Sources Used:

• "Art and Cultural Repatriation." Wikipedia.[1 May 2006] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Art_repatriation
• "Lega Figure= Lega Kakulu ka Mpito figure." Rand Art. 2006. [1 May 2006] http://www.randafricanart.com/Lega_figure.html

More papers on African Art and Repatriation:

• Essay # 70647 : " African Art"
• Research Paper # 117015 : "Ancient African Art of the Sub-Saharan World"
• Essay # 71847 : "African Art"

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