The thesis is developed in line with the current debates surrounding the demand of restitution of cultural property by the Republic of Benin to France.
The goal is then to explore the circumstances in which the claimed artifacts were taken from Benin and the ethical concerns of looting a country’s cultural heritage. What are the cultural consequences of colonialization in Africa and particularly in Benin? What does restitution mean and how does it help address cultural consequences of colonialization? What are the main national and international legal frameworks and instruments related to the protection and restitution of cultural property? What does the restitution mean and how important it is for Benin? Does the country fulfil all the requirements to make the restitution effective and protect its cultural property? What’s the country’s cultural policy in relation to cultural heritage protection and promotion? What’s the project behind the restitution claim and how will it more valorize the artifacts?
Through colonization, plunder and massive theft, the former Kingdom of Danxômè, current Republic of Benin has lost since 1892 significant amount of irreplaceable works of art and artifacts which represent valuable symbols and information on Benin people’s cultures and identities. This has caused the displacement, distortion, disintegration and identity deconstruction of the traditional and indigenous people and cultures.
However, while Benin government may have a strong ethical and political case for the restitution, research clearly shows that the juridical case is very weak and represents an infirmity in the effectiveness of the ongoing restitution process. Consequently, this thesis explores alternative means and advocacy strategies for effective restitution.
Table of Contents
I. INTRODUCTION
1. Research Questions and Methodology
II. THEORETICAL BACKGROUND
1. Colonialization
a. Background
b. Classic Colonialization
c. Practical Aspects of Colonialization in Africa.
2. Cultural Consequences
3. Pillage of artifacts
III. UNDERSTANDING THE BENIN RESTITUTION CLAIM
1. Understanding the Concept of Restitution
2. International Legal Frameworks and Instruments dealing with Restitution
3. Return/Restitution cases
4. Restitution Of Benin Cultural Heritage
a. Looting of Benin Cultural heritage and consequences
b. Cultural heritage and identity reconstruction
c. Strategic orientation of Benin cultural policy related to Cultural Heritage
d. Case of Benin restitution Claim
e. Advocacy recommendations
IV. BENIN MUSEUM STRATEGY
1. Analyze of Benin Current heritage management Strategy
2. Historical Museum of Abomey
4. Recommendations
Research Objectives and Key Themes
This master thesis explores the multifaceted challenges surrounding the restitution of Benin cultural heritage looted during the colonial era, specifically focusing on the legal, ethical, and strategic dimensions required to ensure an effective repatriation process that supports the country's cultural identity reconstruction and tourism development.
- Analysis of the historical and cultural consequences of colonialization on Benin's national identity.
- Evaluation of the legal effectiveness of international frameworks and the current Benin cultural policy.
- Development of strategic advocacy and management recommendations for successful restitution.
- Exploration of modern museum management practices to facilitate heritage preservation and social engagement.
Excerpt from the Book
3. Pillage of artifacts
When referring to looting or pillage or works or art or artifacts, one might systematically think of Napoleon, a French king. Napoleon’s vision for Paris and Louvre represents such a vision which he realized by the use of systematic approach. Before French army went for the conquest of Italy, Napoleon’s goal was on looting works of art. He had a systematic idea of sculptures and paintings that the Army should bring back. The French army took quite a lot from Vatican moving the entire papal archive from Rome. Those artworks were displayed in a procession modeled after the triumphs and had also served to embellish the museums of Paris, in particular Louvre. Whenever French army went for conquest, the looting of arts became systematic and normal. This was the cases in Germany and in the Netherland where the countries have seen important paintings, frescoes, sculptures and other looted and taken away by French army as war booties. This same practice was extended to Africa during and the colonixalization.
Summary of Chapters
I. INTRODUCTION: This chapter provides the historical context of colonization in Benin, defines the research scope, and outlines the methodology for analyzing restitution debates.
II. THEORETICAL BACKGROUND: This section details the history of colonialization, its impacts on African cultures, and the systematic pillage of artifacts as a tool for identity deconstruction.
III. UNDERSTANDING THE BENIN RESTITUTION CLAIM: This chapter examines the concepts of restitution versus return, analyzes international legal instruments like the UNESCO and UNIDROIT conventions, and reviews specific past restitution cases.
IV. BENIN MUSEUM STRATEGY: This final section evaluates Benin's current heritage management capacity and proposes concrete recommendations for modern museum infrastructure and advocacy strategies.
Keywords
Restitution, Benin, Cultural Heritage, Colonialism, Pillage, UNESCO, UNIDROIT, Identity Reconstruction, Advocacy Strategy, Museum Management, Illicit Trafficking, Cultural Policy, Diplomacy, Heritage Protection, Sustainable Development.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this thesis?
The work focuses on the current debates and diplomatic efforts regarding the restitution of Benin's cultural artifacts looted by French colonial forces and how to make this process effective.
What are the primary thematic areas?
The main themes include historical colonial impact, legal analysis of international conventions, advocacy strategies for governments, and modern museum management requirements.
What is the primary research goal?
The goal is to determine if Benin currently meets the requirements for successful restitution and to provide strategic recommendations to improve both the legal and institutional capacity for managing returned heritage.
Which methodology does the author employ?
The author uses a deductive applied social research methodology, combining literature reviews, analysis of legal instruments, and semi-structured interviews with diverse stakeholders in the heritage sector.
What subjects are covered in the main body?
The main body covers the historical context of colonialism in Benin, the legal and ethical concepts of restitution, an evaluation of Benin's domestic cultural policy, and proposed modern museum management strategies.
What keywords characterize the work?
Key terms include restitution, cultural heritage, Benin, colonialism, museum management, illicit trafficking, and diplomatic advocacy.
Why is the 1995 UNIDROIT Convention highlighted?
The author highlights that while Benin has ratified most UNESCO conventions, the absence of the 1995 UNIDROIT Convention—which provides more effective private law rules for restitution—creates a legal gap that complicates current claims.
What is the author's stance on the "shaming" strategy?
The author identifies "shaming" as a current diplomatic tool used by Benin to persuade France to acknowledge historical wrongs, but emphasizes that this must be paired with professional, standardized management plans to ensure long-term success.
- Quote paper
- Espéra Donouvossi (Author), 2018, Making the Restitution of Benin Cultural Heritage Effective. Advocacy and Management Strategies, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/500547
