December 29, 2002
UK museums against return of Aboriginal human remains
Museums in the UK are coming out strongly in criticism of suggestions that they should return Aboriginal artefacts in their collections. It is thought that some of this unwillingness stems from their fears that such a move would weaken their case for the continuing retention of the Elgin Marbles in the British Museum.
From:
Sydney Morning Herald
Is it altruism or the fear of losing their marbles?
December 28 2002Powerful forces are working to convince the British Government that the place for Aboriginal remains is London’s museums, writes Peter Fray.
“The race is a very degraded one and … even the coarse traders and cattle-ranchers make no irregular unions with their women so the race remains pure.” – Dr Arthur Gedge, circa 1900.
Read the rest of this entry »