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Issues related to the handling of unearthed or otherwise preserved artifacts can be dicey at times. For example, how do we know what does or does not belong in a museum? On one hand, we can say that putting a Native American artifact in a museum is good for preservation, education, cultural awareness and so forth. On the other hand, how do we treat a claim of ownership over that artifact particularly if that owner does not want something “sacred” to be put on display like that?Let's think of another scenario. How far does ownership really go? If a Catholic church is unearthed in Italy, should the Catholics get access to it or does the state get access to it? Or how about Stonehenge; now that Druidism has become “recognized” in Britain, do Druids have some sort of claim of right over what goes on at that place?
“Personal opinion” IS this even a debate that we should be having? Is it not simpler to let property rights determine who has control over artifacts? That would be an elegant and simple solution, so probably highly unlikely.
Well, I don't know that I want to go here because it's the 800-pound gorilla in the room, but how would you apply property rights to the Elgin marbles dilemma?
My mom used to tell me and my brothers that possession was 9/10 of the law. The Greeks may complain but other than that and guilt tripping the British I don't see how they can force the British Museum to return the Elgin Marbles. British possession of them probably preserved them better than if they had left them in place too. That is much like the Pergamon Altar in Berlin no?
What you're saying is a good argument – in fact, I think it's one of the arguments offered by the British Museum. I believe Greece is arguing that the taking of them in the first place was of questionable legality in the first place, that they are part of the cultural patrimony of Greece, and that Greece is now capable of taking good care of them now. I think both sides have some good arguments. In the end, I think the only solution will be to have some sort of “deal” brokered; the marbles are returned in exchange for long-term loans of other significant Greek works.
