Restitution From a Global Perspective: Memory, Identity and Politics

Restitution From A Global Perspective: Memory, Identity and Politics provides a critical, global analysis of the ongoing discussions and debates that promote or hinder restitution. Chapters within the book are authored by a diverse, international group of well-established thinkers in this area and cover a wide range of subjects, including decolonization, democratization, reparation, repatriation, post-colonialism, human rights, migration and globalization.Taking a truly global approach, the book considers the role of restitution in the production of local and national histories and religious and cultural practices. It will also critically examine the embedded national, regional and geopolitical implications of the debate, arguing that it is no longer only a North-South or African-Europe phenomenon, but an interregional and intercontinental issue. Providing a critical look at the roles of museums and the exhibition of heritage properties, the book also examines the narratives accompanying objects in current use, considering how they influence the discussion on restitution. The various conventions and other international and local instruments that have been put in place will also be under scrutiny, as contributors consider whether they facilitate or hinder the restitution process.Restitution From A Global Perspective: Memory, Identity and Politics is essential reading for academics and researchers, as well as students, of heritage studies, museology, cultural diplomacy, history and anthropology.

About the Author

George Okello Abungu is Emeritus Director General of the National Museums of Kenya, Founding Professor of Heritage Studies at the University of Mauritius and is currently Honorary Professor of Museums and Heritage Studies at the Australian National University (ANU) in Canberra, Australia.

Webber Ndoro is the Director of the Heritage Centre in the Islamic World at ICESCO, Rabat, Morocco and former Director General of ICCROM. He Founding Executive Director of the African World Heritage Fund and currently is Associate Professor at the University of Cape Town. Cape Town, South Africa.

Cressida Fforde is a Professor of Restitution Studies and Head of the Return, Reconcile, Renew Programme at the Centre for Museum and Heritage Studies at the Australian National University (ANU), Canberra, Australia.