#imperialism

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While the British umm & ahhh about the restitution of looted artefacts, I see the Dutch (ever the pragmatists) have just got on with negotiating the return of 119 Benin Bronzes to Nigeria.

Meanwhile the British talk about our world class museums & the presentation of world cultures, or the difficulty of changing the laws constraining the return of artworks from national museum collections.

The entitlement of imperialism hasn't quite faded, has it?

h/t ArtNews

119 BENIN BRONZES RETURNED. On June 21, Holland repatriated 119 Benin Bronzes to Nigeria in a ceremony at the National Museum in Lagos, reports AFP and Le Figaro. The restitution is one of the largest for colonial-era artifacts, and includes sculptures made between the 16th and 18th centuries that were looted by British soldiers in 1897 from the Kingdom of Benin . The bronzes were sold and eventually ended up in the Dutch State Collection. “The restitution is the result of intensive cooperation between experts and representatives from Nigeria and the Netherlands,” stated the Dutch government, adding that “the Nigerian government … will decide how and where they will be displayed.” Four bronze sculptures, including a bust of the king, an elephant tusk, and a small leopard, were displayed during the restitution ceremony, and will remain in the public museum. The other treasures will be given to the Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, who has been recognized as their rightful owner by the Nigerian government, in a decision that has stirred some controversy.

started reading History and Politics of Star Wars by Chris Kempshall

Chris Kempshall: History and Politics of Star Wars No rating

I've decided to start this book, after watching the recent excellent video on the #StarWars Series #Andor by #transwoman youtuber Jessie Gender (www.youtube.com/watch?v=SjMsPsaVyr8), which cites this study multiple times. I also feel that this could be an interesting tengential approach to the issue of #autoritarism and #fascism, as it appears that George Lucas' political messages (because, yes, Star Wars has always been political and well, woke) is based more on a popular idea of what #dictatorship and #imperialism are based more than on pure historical and political science theory. This is like looking at something from the embossed traces it left on the ground. It might also help me choose my next readings on these topics, while making for a really agreable reading, as I'm now quite exhausted and not in the state to digest more complexe analysis.

I think it’s pretty notable that Greta Thunberg has openly blamed capitalism for the climate crisis we’re in.

She argues that the current system, driven by fossil fuel interests, colonialism, imperialism, and exploitation, is fundamentally responsible for environmental destruction and social injustice.

While she has been a prominent figure for several years, her media presence has fluctuated. Recently, she has received renewed attention, particularly after high-profile events like the flotilla incident, which brought her back into the headlines and media focus.

So yes, Greta is definitely back in the spotlight, and the media seems to be paying close attention again. LMAO!

A diverse group of people gathered outdoors at a speech with Greta Thunberg speaking into a microphone in the foreground while others listen attentively; the crowd is casually dressed and appears engaged in activism and social justice issues.

🇬🇧 🇬🇧

Two articles on Oceania:

▶️ Adrian MUCKLE & Benoît TRÉPIED, Under the Colonial Radar? The History and Memory of an “Invisible” Mixed-Race Household in New Caledonia
👉 https://doi.org/10.1017/ahsse.2024.20

▶️ Lauren BENTON & Adam CLULOW, How Not to Possess an Island: Pitcairn and the Legal Circuits of British Empire in the Pacific World
👉 https://doi.org/10.1017/ahsse.2024.21

More on each article below ⤵️

@histodons