Some of the
world's leading museums have joined forces to declare that
they will not hand back ancient artefacts to their countries
of origin.
Directors
of 18 institutions, from St Petersburg to New York, signed
a declaration saying their collections act as "universal
museums" for the good of the world.
People
have only been able to fully appreciate ancient civilisations
because their institutions have provided access to archaeological,
artistic and ethnic objects, they say.
The statement
follows increased calls for the return of artefacts that
were removed decades or centuries ago, such as the controversial
Elgin Marbles, which are in the British Museum.
A similar
row has simmered over the Benin Bronzes that are kept in
London and Berlin, while Turkey has been pushing for the
return of the Pergamon Altar, also currently on show in
Berlin.
In 1993, the
Metropolitan Museum of Art reluctantly handed over 363 pieces
of gold, silver, precious stones, paintings and sculptures
to Turkey after a court case.
The directors'
declaration said: "The universal admiration for ancient
civilisations would not be so deeply established today were
it not for the influence exercised by the artefacts of these
cultures, widely available to an international public in
major museums."
It said Greek
culture would not have become so lauded if museums had not
put statues on show.
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