We have been discussing the issue of cultural patrimony (https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/special-topics-art-history/arches-at-risk-cultural-heritage-education-series/trafficking-protection/a/elgin-marbles-debate) as it relates to the African artworks that were stolen/looted during European colonialist expeditions. But how has this played out in regards to Mesoamerican art? In 2020, for example, the Mexican government requested that the Vatican Library temporarily return several Pre-Columbian illuminated manuscripts to mark the painful 500th anniversary of Spain’s conquest of the Aztec Empire — what’s more, they asked for an apology from the Catholic Church “that never again will disrespectful acts be committed against their beliefs and cultures.” read https://hyperallergic.com/598115/mexico-asks-vatican-for-temporary-return-of-ancient-indigenous-manuscripts/, then answer the questions below:
Do you think this could “set a precedent” for other artifacts to be returned to their country of origin, or for similar kinds of attempts for reconciliation? Should it set a precedent, in your opinion?
What kinds of considerations do you think should be taken into consideration when it comes to deciding whether to return artifacts to their country of origin?
