General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: I remember when "cultural appropriation" was seen as a sign of an inclusive society [View all]Boreal
(725 posts)which took place in a civil war like revolt. That's not typical.
The Buddhas belonged to human cultural history, just like the Egyptian artifacts, and these things should remain where they came from. It's terrible what the Taliban did but I don't see how that has bearing on this conversation. The US allowed the looting of precious artifacts in Iraq and I suspect there were well connected westerners lined up as buyers.
Why do you feel that Britain or the US or anyone else is entitled to take and keep these artifacts? Is it because you see the places they came from as unstable and unwilling to protect them? That's a fair argument, to a degree.
BTW, I know nothing about burning mummies. I know that Egypt is actively uncovering more and values them as important historical treasures and would not condone burning them! I also know there is a big black market trade in artifacts because there are so many and it's impossible to secure all locations.