Routing Returns: Repatriation/Rematriation of Orphaned Cultural Objects

November 13, 2024 15:00-19:00

SOAS RM BG01

This seminar explores the complexities of repatriating cultural objects that are often overlooked or considered insignificant by Western institutions and capitalist markets, yet hold immense cultural significance for source communities. It will feature two panels and a special film screening, focusing on the Tboli people of the Philippines and a specific repatriation story of their material culture.

Panel 1 : "Non-Monumental Objects, Uncommon Returns: Pathways for Repatriation"

The first panel will bring together experts from museums, legal entities, and cultural institutions to discuss practical approaches for returning objects that were not looted but have nonetheless found their way into Western collections. These objects, often seen as valueless from a market perspective, present unique challenges for repatriation. The panel will address the logistics, legal frameworks, and ethical considerations involved in returning such items to source communities, with case studies highlighting successful returns of "unusual" or "orphaned" objects.

Speakers:

Lewis McNAught (General Editor of Returning Heritage)

https://www.returningheritage.com/

Amy Shakespeare (General editor for Routes to Return)

https://routestoreturn.com/

Panel 2

The Curator of the World Cultures Museums in Liverpool and the Pitt Rivers gives an overview of the process of return for non-looted objects and speaks with a source culture bearer on practical steps to begin the repatriation process.

Meghan Backhouse, Global Cultures, National Museums, Liverpool in conversation with Mark Sapaen Watan, Igorot UK Charity (Bontoc in Diaspora )

Film Screening: In a repatriation story of collective kindness, a curator, a scholar and a schoolteacher guide Billie Riley, an Englishwoman who lived with a cultural community of Tboli people in the 1970’s, on an emotional journey to their ancestral home of Lake Sebu, Philippines to give back her collection of beautiful and sacred objects.

Panel 3

Benjie Manuel in conversation with Billie Riley, Cristina Juan and Marian Pastor Roces

Creating rematriating processes through storytelling and the re-connection of in/tangible heritage.

Networking and Wine Reception

**This event is made possible through the ESRC's SOAS Impact Acceleration Account grant for the Gónô Tmutul Festival of Storytelling ( July 20-21, 2024).

It is also the Inaugural event for the SOAS PARR Network (Provenance,Accessibility, Repatriation and Restitution Network) for this academic year.

@IAASOAS @ESRC, SOAS University of London

Host or Publisher Philippine Studies at SOAS