“We’re Back”: Background and Outcomes of Repatriation, Return and Restitution of Cultural Property

Abstract

News about repatriation, return or restitution of cultural property taken from their countries of origin in dubious circumstances is now increasingly common. Each situation has its own political context, but a common element is the use of circulation as a narrative component itself—a resource of soft power, to influence or establish the tone of political dialogue between estates. The looting of objects symbolizes the dynamics of subjugation of one country over another; on the other hand, restitution, return or repatriation indicates, at least symbolically, a willingness to engage in a dialogue of historical reparation. But to what extent have the repatriation, restitution and return of cultural property sought to strengthen the proactive dialogue between the parties involved—understanding such proactivity as long-lasting cultural cooperation initiatives? In this article we propose an analysis of the political motivations, agents and outcomes of two case studies: the restitution of Goddess Annapurna’s idol to India; and the repatriation of Djidji Ayokwé, or “talking drum” to Côte d´Ivoire, both presented at 23rd meeting of the Intergovernmental Committee for Promoting the Return of Cultural Property to its Countries of Origin or its Restitution in Case of Illicit Appropriation, within UNESCO system.