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.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- INTRODUCTION
- Research Questions and Methodology
- THEORETICAL BACKGROUND
- Colonialization
- Background
- Classic Colonialization
- Practical Aspects of Colonialization in Africa
- Cultural Consequences
- Pillage of artifacts
- Colonialization
- UNDERSTANDING THE BENIN RESTITUTION CLAIM
- Understanding the Concept of Restitution
- International Legal Frameworks and Instruments dealing with Restitution
- Return/Restitution cases
- Restitution Of Benin Cultural Heritage
- Looting of Benin Cultural heritage and consequences
- Cultural heritage and identity reconstruction
- Strategic orientation of Benin cultural policy related to Cultural Heritage
- Case of Benin restitution Claim
- Advocacy recommendations
- BENIN MUSEUM STRATEGY
- Analyze of Benin Current heritage management Strategy
- Historical Museum of Abomey
- Recommendations
- CONCLUSION
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This master thesis investigates the restitution of Benin's cultural heritage, specifically focusing on the claim for the return of artifacts held in French museums and private collections. The research explores the effectiveness of current advocacy and management strategies employed by Benin.
- The impact of colonialization on Benin's cultural heritage and identity.
- The legal frameworks and instruments governing restitution of cultural artifacts.
- The effectiveness of different advocacy strategies in achieving restitution.
- The analysis of Benin's current heritage management strategy and identification of areas for improvement.
- The potential of international collaboration and partnerships in the restitution process.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
The thesis begins with an introduction that outlines the research questions and methodology employed. Chapter two examines the theoretical background of colonialism, highlighting its impact on African cultures and the pillage of artifacts. Chapter three delves into the Benin restitution claim, exploring the concept of restitution, relevant international legal frameworks, and case studies of successful restitution. It further analyzes the looting of Benin's cultural heritage, its impact on identity reconstruction, and the strategic orientation of Benin's cultural policy. This chapter also presents recommendations for advocacy strategies. Chapter four focuses on the Benin museum strategy, examining the current heritage management strategy and recommending improvements.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
This thesis explores the critical themes of cultural heritage restitution, colonial legacy, advocacy strategies, and museum management. Key concepts include international legal frameworks, cultural identity, and the impact of colonialism on African nations.
- Citar trabajo
- Espéra Donouvossi (Autor), 2018, Making the Restitution of Benin Cultural Heritage Effective. Advocacy and Management Strategies, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/500547
