The Art and Artifacts are Safer in Western Museums

Art and artifacts should actually be kept in museums instead of being left in or returned to the nations that created them. Despite the fact that these nations have a right to their art and artifacts, the reality is that most of them have economical and political issues, such as war and political unrest (Jenkins, 2018). Some of the political leaders would choose to sell the art and artifacts for weapons or cash, rather than preserve such rich heritage. They would consider acquisition of finance and an easier way out of their poverty. Nations such as Iraq, Syria, and Egypt are known to be politically unstable, though rich with art and artifacts. A good illustration can be seen with the 1897 disaster in Benin, today’s Nigeria, where members of a British delegation were attacked while entering the city in the course of a religious ceremony (Jenkins, 2018). 

In an effort to overthrow the Benin king, the attackers stormed the palace and had the king exiled. To cater for the expenses, the attackers looted the royal treasures constituting superb copper-alloy plaques and sculptures, as well as delicate ivory carvings referred to as Benin Bronzes, and sold them (Jenkins, 2018). This is a clear indication that whenever a country is in need of financial aid or source, it would not hesitate to ignore the heritage contained in art and artifacts, but would rather convert them into cash for their own interests. The same can be said of nations in the Middle East that are constantly at war with each other. Here, historical and significant art and artifacts are destroyed with bombs and/or fire, erasing part of their history (Jenkins, 2018). That is why such art and artifacts are safer in Western museums as they are sure to be better taken care of and preserved for years to come. 

Reference 

Jenkins, T. (2018). ‘ Why western museums should keep their treasures .’ Retrieved on 2 April, 2019 from https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2018/nov/25/benin-bronzes-why-western-museums-should-keep-treasures?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other