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Should African Artifacts in European Museums be returned to Africa?
Questions to think about, write about:
---Should African artifacts be returned to Africa?
---Is it more important that artifacts be seen in their original location or by the most number of people in a museum location (even if it is in another country)?
---Is it okay to remove artifacts in order to keep them safe from destruction (weather, war, etc.)?
---Is there a difference between "spoils of war" and art acquired through corruption and theft?
---Is a famous artwork the property of the world or an individual person/group?
Those artifacts might of been holy in a religious way to Africa. I don't know if the artifacts were illegally or legally obtained but otherwise, the must be returned to their home.
I completely agree with this statement because these artifacts where taken from these people and it ended up causing a war. so the least they could do is give them back. But i still think that should put in a safe place in Africa
The problem is that there are no safe places in Africa. They do not have the money to pay for security with so many people very poor and in need. That is why Africans need to focus on providing for their people, and not artifacts.
Not every place in Africa is dangerous, plus Africa fell into poverty because of the Europeans going there and using the land for the natural resources there.
What about the insecure countries? The artifacts kept there might be lost, stolen, or vandalized, and how would we deal with that? I get that Africa needs to generate money, and tourism is a great way to do that, but there are other ways to get money, with the artifacts still safe in Europe.
I agree but still they are spoils of war. They were obtained through war though barbaric, legal. They broke no laws of war to obtain them. And also today the majority of Africa is either Christian or Muslim, so even if they used to be religious they most likely arn't today because the old religion is really used
I agree with Grayson because the Africans owned the artifacts first and if the Europeans had their artifacts taken they would most likely want it back. Another thing the europeans could do is give some money to Africa so that the artifacts could have a safe place. Then when the Africans get enough money they can pay them back.
True, but there are other ways than to give them back to Africa like by giving some of the profits to Africa that the Europeans earn. This way the Europeans still maintain possession but Africa still gets a portion.
I agree with Grayson because if the artifacts were made as a gift for a member of African royalty, they would've never received it because the Europeans took it.
I agree and also disagree because the Artifacts may not a ahve a purpose mabe it was something they had to live but i agree because i think some of the Artifacts had a purpose.
I think the people in Europe should move the African Artifacts to Africa, where they belong. I understand that Europe is probably more safe than Africa, but if they had more money, then it would be more safe, but they don't. Europe is making all this money on the museums and tourists coming to see them, but if the artifacts were moved to Africa, then they could make money off of them and become more safe for these prized treasures. Another debate is that these things were originally from (Africa). these things mean a lot to our ancient history of Africa and Europe. These artifacts weren't originally form Europe, they were from Africa.
I agree with Livvy because if Africa were able to open museums they would be able to make more money. Also, I agree because the artifacts represent the ancient history of Africa and that is probably one of the reasons that the artifacts are so important to the African people.
i disagree because since they do not have good security and all of these prized treasures are like treasure to the Europeans of when they conquered africa.
I think that they should return the artifacts back to Africa. I believe this because the art and stuff is not theirs and they should give it back to the Africans. Also I think they should give it back because of tourism. Europe is making a bunch of money because people are coming to the museums to see the artifacts. If they went back to the original place which is Africa, then the Africans would be the people who really earn the money of the amazing ancient work people created. I do think that it is safe to keep special artwork in a different place during dangerous storms, wars etc. I think they should return it though instead of keeping it forever. Also if the artwork and stuff is in it's original place then the tour guides may have more knowledge on that piece then people in another country such as Europe. That is why I believe these artifacts should go back to Africa.
I disagree with you because unlike Europe, Africa is in poverty in many ways. Europe is mostly full of countries with people who have good lives. People in poverty in Africa are poor and would do anything for money, including stealing.
I agree with Camille because the europeans didn't make the artifacts so they shouldn't take credit for what they didn't make. A really good point Camille made is that the Africans should be able to make the tourism money because the africans made the art and stuff.
I think they should return them to Africa because I'm sure that if Africa got the money and security they needed it could be safe also. But I also agree because Africa has many wars and those might get destroyed if there was a war that could harm the artifacts.
I think they should return them to Africa because I'm sure that if Africa got the money and security they needed it could be safe also. But I also agree because Africa has many wars and those might get destroyed if there was a war that could harm the artifacts.
I think we should return the artifacts to Africa because those artifacts could be memories of their county or ancestor. I also think they should return them because it's there property and it was basically made in Africa. But European could take the artifacts and give the money to Africa to show credits to Africa artifacts.
they should stay in africa because lots of people go to see other exhibits or statues that lots of other people pay large amounts of money to go see on vacation.
I also agree with the fact that they should stay in Africa is that they rightfully belong there and the artifacts were taken. another reason is that Europeans already have good economies unlike the Africans. I think the Africans should have the museums because they will have more money to pay for important things such as healthcare and taxes.
I think England should have it but it was Africa’s before England’s so that is a big deal it also might attract visitors from other country’s to go and see there artifacts. If that would be the case then they would want those back badly.
I kind of agree and disagree. I really think Africa should have the artifacts because they would be able to get more money off of the artifacts that Africa needs. Also those artifacts were in Africa when they found them which makes the artifacts theirs. But, you also said both ways so I would disagree and agree in both ways.
I believe the artifacts should be returned to Africa. I think this because the artifacts should never have been taken in the first place because its disrespectful to take whats not yours. And also because the African's may have had a special reason the artifacts where so important to them, and I'm sure they want those back.
I think that the artifacts should be returned to Africa because the Europeans are just using the artifacts in museums to attract tourists and make money off of it. The Africans on the other hand have a lot of sentimental feelings and thoughts that are associated with the artifacts whether it belonged to an ancestor of theirs or a leader. To properly take care of the artifacts they could be sent to the richer countries if to be better taken care of or preserved. Even if certain places don't have the money to guard the artifacts they can always have neighboring countries take care of them or get a loan from the Europeans.
We should return the artifacts to Africa because they were there in the first place. We should not keep them in Europe because they don't belong there. Europe is generating a lot of tourist money from people who want to come see this Ancient African art, so Africa does not get the money that is rightfully theirs.
The Europeans did not take ALL the people to be slaves. I mean, obviously there are people living there today. Europeans did not start enslaving them in drastic amounts until later. Also, Africans today can be relieved that their artifacts are safe and not stolen and hidden in some random spot. They know where they are, and that they are protected.
I agree with this statement more than anyone because the Europeans are basically make money off a war that they caused by taking the artifacts and calling them " Spoils of war"
I think the the artifacts need to tell in Africa because they made it with there own materials, The artifacts could have been from a Ruler and need to put the artifacts in there tombs, And the artifacts can make the Africans recall there history, and help them study there history.
I think that the artifacts should be returned to Africa because if they are returned the Africans will be able to tell story's and explain what the artifacts were used for
I think they should give the artifacts to Africa because it wasn't fair how they stole the artifacts and used Africa's poverty to their advantage . also in Africa they would most likely have more knowledge about the artifacts and be able to explain them to people better and wear they were originally from
I think that the European museums should take the artifacts back to Africa because the Africans made the artifacts and the Europeans took all of their gold and salt and made the Africans their slaves. They made Africa become a really poor country by taking all of their resources, and if the artifacts were put in museums in Africa, the africans could make a lot money off of tourists to help replenish the resources.
I support this because they did make them their slaves and take their gold and salt so i think they should leave it their and they also could might make money off of it.
I disagree because they where not there slaves and I think that they should keep them in a safer place then Africa and all the invasions that are happening
I say they should return to Africa because it came from their culture and things they had to not the European because they just got the land and that is it so i say return to Africa.
I don't like your thinking there, all around the world, there are diseases. I don't like how you place an image in your head saying that Africa is just a continent that has diseases. Africa has many beautiful things there. An example could be the beautiful beaches in Ivory Coast.
I think they should come back to Africa. I think this because they were stolen from Africa. Also Europe took a lot of Africa's recourse so this could help them make money. If Europe is scared they could get stolen they could send security down there with the artifacts .
I think African artifacts should definitely be returned to Africa. I think they should be returned because that was where the artifacts were found. Also Europeans are getting tons of money from the African artifacts due to tourists. If those artifacts were in Africa, Africa could make more money. Even though Europe is probably more safe for the artifacts for preserving I still think the artifacts should be in Africa.
I feel like they should be back in Africa because its their heritage and from their ancestors.The artifacts would probably be in museums that are away from all the wars and problems.They would also be under high security and safe.
I strongly believe that the African artifacts should return right back to where they came from. Even though there are wars in come countries, I still think that the artifacts should go back to Africa. One example that I can give to support this is that it's just like losing something. If you lose your jewelry, and someone finds it and keeps it to themselves then its still yours. If you see that they have it, you'll want to have it back Also, it is a religious figure to people and they care about it just like if you lost something, then you would want it back because it may be special to you.
Africa could work out some sort of agreement with the European countries. I'm sure that they would want to know who was in possession of their artifacts, and if they go back to Africa, who's to say they won't be stolen? Then no one would have the relics (except that one person who stole it, and why would they give it back?), and we would be farther back than square one.
Well Bella, I agree that Africa may work out some things with the Europeans countries. I also disagree because people can steal things in Europe. Some guards may slack off and stuff.
I disagree I think they should be in England’s band because what if they put all this money in this and then it just fails? I would be a waste so I think it should stay in England.
The artifacts do belong to Africa though. It's not about the money at all also. They should keep it, and that's final for me. Me, as an African would like to have and artifact that may belong to an ancestor. This is just an example but if an artifact did belong to an ancestor, i would want it back.
I think if Africa had more security and money then yes it should go back to Africa because in Europe they have to study about them and stuff but in Africa they kind of already know about there history and the Africans are there ancestors.
I personally think that they should but not necessarily return the artifacts back to the place they came from. as you probably know parts of Africa are in civil war right now. So my opinion is to return that artifacts to some place safer in the continent but at the same time at least somewhere close to where it was taken or found. Lastly to notify the tribe or people about the artifact returning to the continent.
i think that you are not answering the question.you should have gotten into more detail talking about why or why not Europe should have these artifacts and why Africans should make there own choice on were there ancient artifacts go.
i think if countries in Europe gave Africa there artifacts back and gave them some guards to watch there stuff i think they would have enough money to make an empire or something.
I really feel more towards the side where Africa should keep the artifacts, but I'm also supporting the other side too. It would make more sense if the artifacts stayed at Africa for many reasons like history, money, religion, but these artifacts do mean a lot to our ancient history and we would hate it if anything would happen to them like if they got stolen, vandalized, broken, then Europe could handle that better than Africa could. Also, if we tried to give Africa more money, it would still be a lot of work to make it a safer place. What do you think??
One reason that the artifacts should be returned to Africa is because they were stolen via slavery and colonization and fear of death. They should be returned to their home because I think that the people need to have back what was stolen from them years ago.
Even though I personally think that the Africans should get their artifacts back, In some places in Africa there are wars going on. It was kind of a trophy to the Europeans. They accomplished getting more land and the artifacts were they're trophy.
It wouldn't be best to store the artifacts near war so they would keep them in a more peaceful and advanced country. Plus if the artifacts mean a lot to them then why put them in a dangerous place?
I personally think they should return the artifacts to the home country or continent. But the thing is that Africa is in the middle of a civil war with nearly every country in a war with another one. While in Europe there is no civil war happening and just a war in general which makes the artifacts safer.
I think they should stay in Europe. Europe has better protection. But I think Europe should give some of the money to Africa. Plus Europe is a much bigger tourist attraction so if they stayed in Europe more people could see them.
I believe the artifacts should be returned to Africa but, I also can see why people think they should stay in Europe. They should stay in Europe because in Europe I'm sure they have higher security than Africa. I also think this because the Europeans may have wanted these artifacts as a trophy of their victory.
If the artifacts, African or otherwise, were obtained legally then they belong to the museum's Directors/Curators, who are entitled to retain them and reject out of hand any claim for their return based on tribal sentimentality.
i also think that they should stay in Europe because the money they make they can us it to make a better security system so that they can keep the artifacts safe.
I think we should keep the artifacts in Europe because it is more safe there. It has more protection than Africa does because if something happened to the artifacts in Europe, then they could take charge and get them back quicker than Africa could. Africa does not have much protection for things like these artifacts. They would probably get stolen lost or vandalized quickly. This is why I think the artifacts should stay in Europe.
I think that they should give it back because it might mean something to Africa l. And bring some of the trades back and can make money off of It and make the economy bigger
I think that maybe they know how to take care of their own artifacts.Because if they do that should be a even greater reason that get to keep the artifacts
Europe should not keep the artifacts because they don't belong to Europe. Also Europe might have wars which will lead to the artifacts being destroyed. In that case Africa doesn't have that many wars, so in my opinion they will be more safer in Africa.
I don't think Europe should keep the artifacts although the artifacts have a better chance of being protected while in Europe. Africa today is dangerous because of war and other violence that has ensued. If the artifacts were to reside in Africa they can be destroyed by people who don't respect the value the artifacts have. It would be even harder to guard the artifacts in places that are poor because they would have no means to preserve them and keep them out of harm's way.
I think we should keep the Artifacts in European because. I think it's important that artifacts should be seen in their original location. I don't think it's okay to remove artifacts in order to keep them safe from destruction.
Europe should make a deal with Africa. The deal should be were ever these artifacts came from is were they should go back to and they should also get a government and other things they need to be a civilized society.
I think that the artifacts should stay in Europe because they are only spoils of war. They are also safer in Europe than in Africa because they have more advanced security than Africa. They also have less people who want the artifacts.
I believe they should keep artifacts in Europe because for one they are safer in Europe where there is not as much poverty. Another reason is that even though they do come from Africa they were still colonized by the Europeans and they rightfully belong to the Europeans.
I disagree just because the artifacts probably would be safer in Europe I believe that Africa should have the artifacts because it's part of their country and thats where they were found.
If Africa got the artifacts back they could take out a loan or have the richer countries take care of them under the proper conditions. They could also have a undisclosed area where they could keep them if any terrorists would come to harm the artifacts.
Only some parts of Africa has poverty issues. Also artifacts may be destroyed or stolen in Europe. Even though some security is good in Europe, some guards may slack off and things like that so things can be vandalized in Europe.
I disagree with craig because their are many wealthy parts of Africa and the europeans could lend them some money until they have enough to pay them back
I agree but also you must think about other parts of Africa that arn't in poverty, but don't forget that the artifacts are spoils of war not just stolen, but fought for. They took them from the ancient Africans via force. They might be african, but the Europeans took them so that them fair game as spoils of war.
I completely disagree with this statement because while they might be safer not all of Africa is in war. And the parts that are are in that civil war because of the people who are housing these artifacts
I think we should keep the artifacts in Europe, to ensure they are safe. Many countries in Africa, especially the slums in central and southern parts, are very poor and may not be able to afford to keep their artifacts safe in museums. While a point may arise that the Africans are not generating tourist money, I propose that the European museums pay a portion of their money to the African countries from which these relics come from.
I disagree with you because even if the museums are not being kept safe than they can be provided with better security which will also waste a lot of money, but make alot more.
That's not the point. The money is not what there main worry is. where will they get better security and money when they are in poverty. Don't take anything else away from them.
Not necessarily because there are some parts of Africa that are not in a war. Also its plain as can be that they belong to African people for holy reasons most importantly
Europe is generally richer than Africa, with a GDP per capita of 38,500 USD. Africa's is estimated to be less than 1,500 USD. So, because Europe has more money, they will have a better means of security.
I think England should keep the artifacts because they are safer there than in Africa also invaders may come and steel all these artifacts. Maybe England would give half percent to Africa and then both country’s are making money.
Well Norah, even though there could be invaders, there could also be people stealing the artifacts from Europe. Also even though there is pretty great security, It could be stolen and there are riots going on in Europe recently, so the Africans should still keep their artifacts.
I disagree because at the time of the war with Europe, the africans weren't as powerful and strong as the them, so once the Europeans attacked, the africans were weakened and the europeans were able to take whatever they wanted.
Good point, I can see how you would support the fact that the Europeans deserve the right to have the artifacts as a reward to their conquering. But I still believe they should be returned to Africa.
I disagree with you because evan know it might be safer it is still their stuff and things they had and they took it away from them and their gold and salt and other recores
The security is not the point that we are focusing on. Those artifacts belonged to Africa. Europ would hate it if we stole there artifacts that made them unique.
The Artifacts are probably safer here because there is no wars going on in Europe.Also,the artifacts are under stronger protection because Europe is wealthier than Africa and can afford it.
I disagree because it might of been safer but they also took their land so if they thought it would be safer their why did they want their land also they did not just take their Artifacts they took every thing else also the people who stayed their and turn them to slaves so i disagree.
I disagree with you because Europe just has the artifacts to make money off of that and there might not be wars but there are threats and if war world 3 starts the artifacts may get damaged because wars mainly start in Europe because the 2 world wars started in Europe.
Europe makes money off of the artifacts and getting money off of that, and if Africa tell had those artifacts wouldn't be in the place Africa is in right now.
I agree that the Europeans should just protect in the museum and show to the tourist but I also think that if they charge people to see them to money should be donated to Africa as a way to say we are sorry for what are ancestors did.
