Introduction
Art is a significant part of each country’s history and is regarded as a cultural heritage, which is extremely important for their development. That is why saving historical legacy for each state to recollect in memory of each country’s great past is crucial. However, many incidents happened during the whole period, and each country has lost its heritage for some time, and until now, it is difficult to bring it back or even find it.
One such example is the Parthenon in Athens, which is one of the most incredible historical memorials associated with Greek culture and its prosperity. Nevertheless, this memorial is currently located in the British Museum, which raises a question about whether historical memorials should be returned to their homeland or remain outside them. Still, memorials should be located on the territory of their origin, as they illustrate the historical context of countries’ development and are the national cultural heritage of the states.
The Historical Significance of the Parthenon
The Parthenon is an ancient historical symbol of Greece that popularizes Greek culture. This ancient temple was built between 447 and 438 BC on the Acropolis in Athens, Greece (Solomon). It symbolized Athenian power and was a great cultural achievement of that day’s people. Parthenon contained various sculptures such as metopes, piedmontal sculptures, and friezes. All these memorials had a mythological origin and illustrated historical scenes.
However, in the 19th century, while Greece was under Ottoman rule, the British ambassador got permission to remove the Parthenon sculptures (Solomon). Lord Elgin stripped ancient sculptures from the ancient Acropolis in Athens in 180 and sold them to the British government in 1816. As a result, Greece lost 17 metopes, 15 of the 92 frieze panels, and numerous other pieces (Solomon).
The British Museum has a significant collection of ancient sculptures that was demonstrated to the public. The question of repatriating these memorials is a controversial issue that is being highly debated. Critics argue that Lord Elgin’s actions were a form of cultural theft, as he did not get permission from the Greeks to take the sculptures.
The Process of Repatriation
Repatriation of unique historical memorials is a process that can provide countries with opportunities to restore their past. Still, it is a complex issue that should be researched from various sides. Repatriating stolen, removed, looted, or forcefully taken historical objects can significantly influence a country’s cultural heritage (Daniels). That is why returning these artifacts to their places of origin is an act of justice, cultural restoration, and healing for countries; moreover, by bringing back historical objects, people can reconnect with their past and earn a deep sense of cultural connection. Repatriation can foster dialogue between countries and improve their cultural exchange, so their diplomatic and cultural relationships and the level of communication increase (Daniels).
On the contrary, the repatriation process is a complex issue consisting of various actions and many challenges. That is why factors such as the condition and accessibility of the artifacts and legal and ethical considerations must be considered to ensure the responsible and sustainable repatriation of cultural objects (Daniels). Hence, repatriation is a complex process that can benefit the countries involved but also create challenges.
The British Museum’s Position
The British Museum has owned the collection from the Parthenon since 1816 and considers its acquisition legal. The museum supports the legal acquisition of the sculptures based on the statement that Greece was under Ottoman rule and that permission to remove the collection was obtained from the authorities of that day, who were not Greek. In addition, Lord faced various difficulties while transporting marble, and the collection was sold to the museum because of financial problems (Solomon). The British Museum argues that it provides global access to the ancient collection and research and displays the Marbles to the public.
Moreover, these marbles have become a great part of the museums collection and play a great role in the museum’s overall masterpieces. The workers of the British Museum state that this collection is significantly valued in the United Kingdom, and people worldwide come there to observe the Parthenon Marbles, which is possible due to its public presentation in the museum (Solomon). According to the British Museums position, the removal of these sculptures will serve as a precedent to repatriate another object in their possession, which negatively influences the museums heritage and could create international conflicts.
Cultural Significance for Greece
The Parthenon Marbles played a significant cultural and historical role in Greece, and their repatriation is crucial for Greek cultural and economic well-being. These Marbles are the symbol of Greeces ancient civilization and demonstrate the level of Greece’s development during those days. The return of the Parthenon Marbles will bring back the notions of cultural heritage and allow Greeks to control and access their history. These sculptures are an integral part of Greece’s cultural heritage and serve as the way to the integrity and context of these ancient masterpieces.
There is also a museum in Athens called the Acropolis Museum, so the sculpture from the Parthenon there will enhance its value and power (Solomon). Greece considers that repatriation will broaden the narrative of decolonization and awareness of historical injustices. Parthenon has a profound economic impact on Greece. Greece’s government believes that the return of the marble will enhance tourism because tourists would be willing to see the memorials in their original context. Hence, the Parthenon Marbles played a significant cultural and economic role in Greece, and they can address the issue of the loss of the cultural legacy by countries.
Arguments for Retaining the Marbles
On the contrary, Elgin Marbles play a great role in the institutions collection and educational and cultural mission of the British Museum. British Museum has various collections of artifacts from around the globe, representing universal human history and cultural heritage. In this context, the Parthenon Marbles are one of the most iconic parts of the museums collection, as they represent the architectural and artistic achievements of ancient Greece.
Moreover, for the museum, displaying this collection is a great opportunity to allow people from all over the world to study and appreciate these artifacts. The British Museum workers add that the museum’s main aim is to be a global representation of cultural treasures, which, while located in other places, may be inaccessible to a wider audience (Solomon). In addition, the museum has different methods to take care of artifacts appropriately, including climate and temperature, which positively affect the safety of artifacts. That is why the role of the marble for the British Museum is multifaceted; they are incredible ancient artifacts that greatly contribute to the comprehensive understanding of human history on the museum’s basis.
Divided Public Opinion
Public opinion on the issue of repatriation has been divided into two counterparts; one part supports that returning the marble is essential for Greek historical and cultural background. Some state that museums have the right to return their properties to the country of their origin to provide justice and reconciliation. The supporter of this idea assumes that this approach addresses historical injustices and cultural appropriation so communities can reclaim their history and identity.
The activist Mwazulu Diyabanza is an example of a person who advocates for countries’ right to return their cultural heritage (Daniels). This man took direct action to bring back artifacts stolen from museums. Mwazulu Diyabanza aims to pay attention to colonialism’s consequences and pressure museums to consider their colonial past (Daniels). In the case of the Greek marble, many people advocate that this sculpture refers to the great ancient past of Greece. These Marbles should be returned to their legal owners to support their development and improve the cultural legacy of the inhabitants of Greece. Thus, some people support the idea of returning the sculptures to Greece to address the cultural injustice and improve the historical heritage.
The Case Against Repatriation
On the other hand, some critics state that keeping the Parthenon Marbles in their present location provides people with global access to the sculptures, and these memorials are also considered a part of British history. Firstly, it is assumed that the British Museum ensures the preservation of the Parthenon Marbles and enables global access. This museum has essential resources to service the artifacts so that they would serve longer.
Secondly, some people believe that the Parthenon Marbles have already become a part of British heritage as Britain owned them for two centuries. That is why the removal of the sculptures would negatively influence the historical context of the UK. Thirdly, it is possible to highlight the role of international sharing of cultural heritage. The illustration of a diverse collection is beneficial for further research and observation and for improving the cultural background of the visitors.
Lastly, legal and ethical difficulties might occur during the return process. For instance, it might be complex to implement clear legal instructions to return the sculptures without facing conflicts. As a result, the present efforts to enhance cooperation and collaboration might fail because of misunderstandings during the return process.
Necessity of Repatriation
One of the main issues around the repatriation of Parthenon Marbles is the question of whether their repatriation is necessary or possible. On the one hand, Elgin Marbles are the national heritage of Greece, and they symbolize its great ancient past. That is why, in the historical context, these sculptures refer to the Greek nation.
On the other hand, the British Museum also has rights to this collection, as they got permission to remove them in the 19th century. The main issue is that currently, no written law can regulate the situation, so repatriation is possible, but different factors should be considered. The question of the necessity of repatriation raises various concerns about the issue.
Each country is believed to have a right to bring back its cultural heritage, which was lost during different historical changes. Some objects were removed many years ago, and in the case of the Parthenon Marbles, the Britain Museum sees them as a great part of their collection. Thus, the repatriation of the Elgin Marbles is possible, considering various factors, but its necessity is a highly debatable issue, as both countries suggest these sculptures as their unique awnings.
Debates
Nevertheless, debates about the repatriation of the Parthenon Marbles have been ongoing for centuries and consisted also of practical actions, especially negotiations. Negotiations between Greece and the British Museum to repatriate the Parthenon Marbles to the place of their origin began in November 2021, and the people who started the process were Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis of Greece, and George Osborne, the chairman of the British Museum. Greece offered to return all the artifacts to the British Museum, and they could instead get a rotating selection of artifacts (Marshall). However, the Museum proposed to return a smaller number of sculptures for a short-term loan instead of 20 years, as requested by the Greek government (Marshall).
The British Museum insists on legally owning the artifacts, as Lord Elgin legally acquired them. In addition, the workers of the Museum state that these artifacts are best displayed in a museum alongside other collections (Marshall). The negotiation process is complex: both countries must be closer on critical issues. The pressure on the British Museum is seen as many other museums have returned disputed artifacts, but the problem still needs to be solved. Hence, the negotiation about the return of artifacts is still ongoing.
The British Museum and the Greek government should agree to repatriate the Parthenon Marbles to their place of origin to provide cultural justice. Despite the harshness of the negotiations, the British Museum should consider the roots of the Parthenon Marbles and their role in Greece and its cultural and historical heritage. The statement that the British Museum has legally transported sculptures is highly debatable, and when considering historical context, the homeland of the artifacts is Greece.
Moreover, the return of marble would positively influence Greece’s economic and cultural development. In addition, this act of cultural justice would enable both countries to have more opportunities to cooperate and collaborate, and as a result, their relationships will improve. Lastly, many countries are seeking communication to return their lost heritage, and many Western museums have already returned these artifacts, which shows the necessity and positive outcomes of repatriation. Therefore, Greece has the right to return its cultural heritage to its place of origin, which can empower relationships between Greece and Great Britain, improve the level of collaboration, and restore cultural justice.
Conclusion
To conclude, art is crucial to each country’s cultural and historical legacy. In the case of Greek artifacts, it is essential to consider the great historical part of the state and the fact that many artifacts were stolen from Greece due to different historical events. Parthenon Marble is an integral part of the cultural heritage of Greece, so it is necessary to bring them back to their country of origin. Nevertheless, various aspects should be considered while repatriating the sculptures, and many challenges should be predicted.
The debate about the return of the marble between the Greek government and the British Museum started in 2021, but there has been a positive outcome just now. Despite the statement that marbles were legally transported to Britain, they should be returned to their origin. This issue should be accurately researched: each country has the right to return to its cultural heritage and recollect its great historical past in memory.
Works Cited
Daniels, Nicole. “Should Museums Return Looted Artifacts to Their Countries of Origin?” The New York Times. 2020. Web.
Marshall, Alex. “After 220 Years, the Fate of the Parthenon Marbles Rests in Secret Talks.” The New York Times. 2023. Web.
Solomon, Tessa. “How Did the Parthenon Marbles End Up in the British Museum?” Art News. 2021. Web.