In recent years, countries in the Global South, from Nigeria to Mexico, have sought the return of treasures looted by colonizers with renewed vigor, while some European governments have passed laws or formed new agreements to dissolve parts of their national collections. If the art and artifacts in museums like the Louvre or the British Museum are the symbols of a bygone era, it seems that former colonial powers are beginning to use them to symbolically make amends for past transgressions.
Meanwhile, in the United States, the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office has made it their mission to seize looted artifacts and attract antiques collectors and dealers. And, after the US government tightened regulations on indigenous artifacts and remains, museums are scrambling to comply.
While the future may still be uncertain, it has become clear that we have entered a new era. During the next week, ARTnews will explore every facet of this new world and the power players that make it work.
Follow here for the latest stories The New Era of Restitution and Repatriation.
