Researching Illegally Traded Sculptures
Case for discussion about ethical dilemmas related to research on artworks that were originally sold illegally or unethically out of their home country.
Several hundred sculptures from the period 1000–1200 CE from Bangladesh were sold out of the country in the 1970s through corrupt officials. The sculptures, which were Hindu idols, were not considered part of the national cultural heritage in an Islamic country, and the authorities in Bangladesh did not see it as important to preserve them. Based on the assumption that they would likely not be properly preserved and might even be destroyed, they were sold out of Bangladesh to a private collector in England.
The sculptures are regarded as having great cultural and historical value. One day, Professor Holt in Norway receives an offer from the private collector in England to conduct research on the sculptures. The collector is interested in the cultural history of Bangladesh and wishes to learn more about the sculptures in his collection.
Questions for discussion
- Should Professor Holt agree to research the artifacts? Why or why not?
- Would the assessment be different if the authorities in Bangladesh had requested that the sculptures be returned?
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