Looted artifacts and museums' perpetuation of imperialism and racism

Implications for the importance of preserving cultural heritage

Dados Bibliográficos

ID11054848
AutoresGeraldine L Palmer (Department of Psychology Adler University Chicago Illinois USA, autor correspondente)
Ano2024
Volume73
Fascículo1-2
Páginas57-65
Data de publicação2024-03-01
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessSim
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoAmerican Journal of Community Psychology (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 0091-0562 • E-ISSN: 1573-2770
EditoraWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1002/ajcp.12653
PMID37070791
OpenAlexW4366240161
IdiomaEN
Citações recebidas5
Referências citadas17

In the midst of recent protests and antiracism movements following the death of George Floyd in May of 2020 and other Black, Indigenous, and people of Color (BIPOC) murdered in the United States by police violence, protestors and advocates around the world recognized the need for Western governments and other institutions to reckon with their own imperial history—to acknowledge the linkage between the slave trade, colonialism, and racism in their countries. This recognition led to the tearing down of statues depicting racist colonial leaders and calling for museums who have perpetuated imperialism and racism through their acceptance and display of looted artifacts to return them. This article sought to answer the question posed in the call for papers, can the many manifestations of racism be effectively dealt with in our society if the status quo is unwilling to engage with the issues, address them, and relinquish power. Further the author argues that cultural looting has its roots in colonialism and racism and discusses implications of the linkage between one's stolen cultural heritage and individual and community well‐being. Answers to the question include both yes, manifestations of racism can be addressed, and no, they cannot be addressed when institutions and governments refuse to engage, address the issue and do not relinquish power. The article also includes the author's thoughts on using a living heritage approach to preserve cultural heritage and offers suggestions that community psychologists, advocates and activists can help to decolonize museums as part of the broader social and racial justice movement

Cultural heritage · Health psychology · Political science · Public health · Racism · Sociology · Anthropology · Cultural Heritage Management and Preservation · Gender Studies · Law · Medicine · Psychology · Social Psychology