Between “colonial amnesia” and “victimization biases”: Double standards in Italian cultural heritage law

Arianna Visconti

doi:10.1017/s0940739121000345

Abstract

AbstractThis article offers a critical appraisal of the evolution of Italian cultural heritage law with respect to issues of colonial and war restitution and of control over the import of potentially trafficked cultural property. As Italy is usually considered a “source country” and a victim of historical depredations, a form of “selective blindness” to its colonial past and to its role at the receiving end of both past and current misappropriations of cultural objects is discussed. Some recent restitutions of cultural property taken in times of colonial occupation are also analyzed as signs of a possible change in policy and practice, but the article also highlights the features of political expediency that have influenced them as well as the many legal and practical obstacles still to be faced by restitution and repatriation claims. Finally, the potential effects of recent (mostly international) inputs on Italy’s cultural heritage policy are presented.

Highlights

The discussion about claims for the restitution of cultural objects acquired by European countries in times of colonial rule has recently accelerated as a result, first, of the publication of the so-called Savoy-Sarr report1 and, second, of the many ripples generated by the expanding Black Lives Matter movement.2 Even Italy, a country that is still struggling to confront its colonial past, is feeling some – admittedly small – repercussions of this evergrowing international debate
This article offers a critical appraisal of the evolution of Italian cultural heritage law with respect to issues of colonial and war restitution and of control over the import of potentially trafficked cultural property
Some recent restitutions of cultural property taken in times of colonial occupation are analyzed as signs of a possible change in policy and practice, but the article highlights the features of political expediency that have influenced them as well as the many legal and practical obstacles still to be faced by restitution and repatriation claims

Summary

Introduction

The discussion about claims for the restitution of cultural objects acquired by European countries in times of colonial rule has recently accelerated as a result, first, of the publication of the so-called Savoy-Sarr report1 and, second, of the many ripples generated by the expanding Black Lives Matter movement.2 Even Italy, a country that is still struggling to confront its colonial past, is feeling some – admittedly small – repercussions of this evergrowing international debate.

Results

Conclusion