'Under what circumstances should cultural property be returned from European museums to its country of origin'
Date(s): December 2006
Creator(s): Weatherall, Paul
Scope & Content: Illustrated Module 4 work with bibliography submitted towards MA degree in Archaeology and Heritage, University of Leicester (Module 4 being Interpretation and Presentation of the Archaeological Heritage). The author considers the campaign for the return of the mediaeval manuscript 'The Chronicles of Man' from the British Library to the Isle of Man. He discusses the assorted issues in relation to the particular case of the Chronicles, outlining the legal, ethical and political positions, professional considerations and the changing attitutes to repatriation. A description of the manuscript and current campaign for repatriation is included as an appendix.
The author concludes, 'In the case of hte Chronicles of Man, it is my view that unless the volume in which it is bound can be safely dismembered without damage to any constituent parts, or there are no competing claims on the volume in relationship to its other manuscripts, then ownership should be retained by the British Library. That institution should be requested to oversee a managed continuous rotating display at relevant institutions. If either of the above two conditions are met, however, ownership should be transferred to the Isle of Man Government under the care of Manx National Heritage. Pending that transfer of ownership they should be subject to a permanent loan agreement between the British Library and Manx National Heritage.'
Language: English
Extent: 15 pages
Item name: essay
Collection: Manuscript Archive
Level: ITEM
ID number: MS 12560/3
Record class: Private
Access conditions: No regulations or restrictions are implemented on this material. Advance notification of a research visit is advisable by emailing library@mnh.gov.im