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This video by @voxdotcom is what inspired me to examine colonial ideology that persists in public institutions around the world. 6 artifacts in the British Museum have disputed ownership. #phstmu
(2) These items were acquired during British colonialism/imperialism. Today these items are regarded as stolen.
Benin City, Nigeria requested their items be returned. In response, the BM labeled themselves a “library of the world.”
Benin City, Nigeria requested their items be returned. In response, the BM labeled themselves a “library of the world.”
(3) This is a byproduct of conquest. Looting of land, resources, and people. Withholding native culture is an implicit reminder of UK’s power over these societies. This reinforced by law; The British Museum Act 1963 protects the BM from returning objects.
(4) I‘m getting white man’s burden vibes. What’s the BM presenting by keeping these artifacts? Do they represent the world or maintain their hegemony? Are Native artifacts admired for their own culture in the BM, or do they belong to the story of British conquest? #phstmu
