Dr. Zahi Hawass, an important Egyptian archaeologist, has asked museums in other countries such as France, Germany, and Great Britain to return artifacts of ancient Egypt. These museums claim to have acquired the artifacts legally, but Dr. Hawass believes they should be returned to their rightful resting place in Egypt.
Below is a New York Times article about Dr. Hawass' fight with the famous Louvre Museum in Paris, France. Dr. Hawass claims “The Louvre Museum refused to return four archaeological reliefs to Egypt that were stolen during the 1980s from the tomb of the noble Tetaki.”
What do you think? Does the Louvre have a right to show these artifacts in their museum if they're taking good care of them? After all, it is one of the most famous art museums in the world. Or should these be returned to Egypt?
Also, the famous Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City voluntarily returned 19 artifacts recovered in King Tut's tomb in 2010. Why do you think the "Met" would return these artifacts without being specifically asked by Dr. Hawass? Did they feel guilty? Was it the right thing to do? Did they believe the artifacts were stolen or acquired illegally? What do you think?
Egypt, Demanding Artifacts’ Return, Cuts Ties With the Louvre
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/08/world/middleeast/08egypt.html
Met Is to Repatriate to Egypt Artifacts From King Tut’s Tomb
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/10/arts/design/10met.html
Below is a New York Times article about Dr. Hawass' fight with the famous Louvre Museum in Paris, France. Dr. Hawass claims “The Louvre Museum refused to return four archaeological reliefs to Egypt that were stolen during the 1980s from the tomb of the noble Tetaki.”
What do you think? Does the Louvre have a right to show these artifacts in their museum if they're taking good care of them? After all, it is one of the most famous art museums in the world. Or should these be returned to Egypt?
Also, the famous Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City voluntarily returned 19 artifacts recovered in King Tut's tomb in 2010. Why do you think the "Met" would return these artifacts without being specifically asked by Dr. Hawass? Did they feel guilty? Was it the right thing to do? Did they believe the artifacts were stolen or acquired illegally? What do you think?
Egypt, Demanding Artifacts’ Return, Cuts Ties With the Louvre
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/08/world/middleeast/08egypt.html
Met Is to Repatriate to Egypt Artifacts From King Tut’s Tomb
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/10/arts/design/10met.html
A small lapis lazuli sphinx bracelet inlay, long in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, has been returned to Egypt.