Episode 109: Navigating the Complex Landscape of Cultural Heritage Restitution
In a thought-provoking episode of The Arch and Anth Podcast, we embark on a journey into the intricate world of cultural heritage, restitution, nationalism, and cultural policy with the esteemed Pierre Losson from The City University of New York.
Meet Pierre Losson
Behind the Research: Get acquainted with Pierre Losson, an academic powerhouse, as he delves into the multifaceted aspects of cultural heritage, restitution, and the fascinating intersection of politics and history.
Latin American Perspectives
Claiming Cultural Heritage: Explore Pierre’s latest research, where he unravels the intriguing reasons behind the claims for the return of cultural heritage objects by three Latin American states: Colombia, Mexico, and Peru. Discover the historical context and motivations driving these demands for restitution.
Unpacking Past Literature
Legacy of Returns: Dive into the archives of past literature and discover the narratives surrounding returns and restitutions. Pierre sheds light on how previous arguments may shape and inform the ongoing discourse on cultural heritage restitution.
Treasures of the Past
The Quimbayas’ Treasure: Delve into the captivating history of the “Tesoro de los Quimbayas” (Treasury of the Quimbayas). Explore how this pre-Columbian cultural artifact, once given by the Colombian Government to the Spanish Crown, has become a part of the collections at the Museum of America in Madrid.
International Agreements
Connecting the Dots: Understand the complex web of international agreements and national histories that underpin cultural heritage return claims. Pierre provides insights into the motivations and roles of various stakeholders, including experts, states, Indigenous communities, and holding institutions.
Current Claims and Contemporary Relevance
A Glimpse into Today: Explore how Pierre’s research in political science helps us comprehend the contemporary claims made over heritage objects. Gain a deeper understanding of the issues that have made headlines in recent news.