Cultural objects in cultural contexts: the contribution of academic institutions

Abstract

Academic programmes in art history and classics tend to view cultural objects as products of a particular cultural context and to ignore their later significance for their countries of origin. As such, they neglect issues of ethics, law and cultural policy. A holistic approach is therefore necessary – one that covers a range of issues, from the creation of cultural objects to their significance in changing cultural environments, including issues of provenance and the illicit trade in antiquities. Cooperation with regard to the return of cultural objects to their countries of origin should be based on reciprocity and respect. A whole range of possibilities exists whereby cultural objects can be exhibited in their country of origin without damaging the mission of international museums: donations, renewable loans, permanent loans, exchanges and periodic exhibitions.