Who Owns the Past? Cultural Policy Cultural Property and the Law

About this book

Public and private institutions in the United States have long been home to a variety of art works antiquities and ethnological materials. For years these collections have been seen as important archives that allow present and future generations to enjoy appreciate and value the art of all cultures. The past decade however has seen major changes in law and public policy and an active ongoing debate over legal and ethical issues affecting the ownership of art and other cultural property. Contributors to Who Owns the Past? include legal scholars museum professionals anthropologists archaeologists and collectors. In clear nontechnical language they provide a comprehensive overview of the development of cultural property law and practices as well as recent case law affecting the ability of museums and private collectors to own art from other countries. Topics covered include rights to property ethical ownership the public responsibilities of museums threats to art from war pillage and development and international cooperation to preserve collections in the developing world. Engaging all perspectives on this debate Who Owns the Past? challenges all who care about the arts to work together toward policies that consider traditional American interests in securing cultural resources and respect international concerns over loss of heritage.