Critical Foundations
Should these objects be on display in a museum?
Introduction
Mia’s collection and galleries such as G208 feature objects that would have been buried in a tomb with a deceased person. These objects were often meant to accompany those who had passed on and take care of them in the afterlife.
As awareness about cultural property is growing, many countries and communities around the world are starting to look at (1) which objects have left their countries and (2) what they would like to have returned. Museums now and in the future need to grapple with the ownership of cultural property and repatriation, or the return of these objects to their countries of origin.
Mia’s Approach
Mia is committed to conducting research on works in its permanent collection as an integral part of its mission. The museum welcomes any information that may further clarify the provenance of artworks in its collection and Mia follows all established guidelines for the ethical collection and purchase of artworks. Mia acknowledges that collecting art during the time of American and European colonialism resulted in many artworks entering into museum collections from countries or cultures that did not have the power to retain their cultural heritage. Some cultures today seek the return of objects that were looted or secured during times of oppression. This is not an issue Mia is alone in facing, as it impacts all encyclopedic museums in North America and Europe. Currently, Mia has received no requests to return any artworks in our Asian collection, but if such a request is made, the museum is committed to an ethical and careful examination of any claims.
Provenance at Mia
Here’s how Mia manages its collection.
Teaching and Learning Standards
Discuss with your students the original context and purpose of objects they see in Mia’s galleries or on our website. Make a habit to slow down, pause, and ask the following questions:
- What does it mean for these objects to be separated from their original roles, creators, and countries?
- What does it mean for these objects to be kept on display in an art museum?
- What are ways we can respect these objects in the present day?
- What does it mean for museums to be “caretakers of culture”?
Encourage your students to discuss the ethics of these issues. Have them engage in a debate, taking turns to argue different sides.
Have students research this issue. Encourage them to learn more about repatriated museum objects and conflicts over repatriation, and to come up with their own solutions.