Who owns the past? Repatriation and return of cultural objects- case study: the Parthenon marbles

Abstract

The aim of this dissertation is to examine the legal and political arguments behind the repatriation and return of cultural objects. The topic of the dissertation is inspired by the fact that the year 2016 was the 200th sad anniversary of the removal of the marbles by Lord Elgin and their transfer to the UK. Sadly, 2016 is also the year that Eddie O’ Hara , the greatest British supporter for the return of the Parthenon marbles to Greece, passed away. (Article from The Guardian, 31 May 2016 ‘Eddie O’Hara obituary’, by Julia Langdom)

This dissertation will explore the following points: Resolution of cultural differences between countries and its complexities, legal arguments, repatriation of cultural heritage as a form of restoration, integrity and preservation of cultural heritage, national heritage as a national Identity, cultural heritage and its global significance, cultural heritage as a human right, collective ownership of cultural heritage, cultural colonization and cultural heritage trafficking and marketing. At the same time, the dissertation will present the arguments in favor and against the return of cultural objects with emphasis on the repatriation of the Parthenon Marbles. While the British Museum symbolizes a Universal Museum, the gemstone of the British Empire, where artifacts from past civilizations from around the world are displayed, at the same time, one should not dismiss the idea that the Parthenon marbles, the symbol of the cultural heritage of a whole nation, have been subjected to violent and illegal vandalism which took place at a time that there were no legal instruments to guarantee their protection. However, their status should be reviewed in light of the contemporary international cultural heritage legal framework.