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- Title
NEGOTIATIONS FOR THE RETURN OF NOK SCUPLTURES FROM FRANCE TO NIGERIA - AN UNRIGHTEOUS CONCLUSION.
- Authors
Folarin Shyllon
- Abstract
Among the objects in an exhibition at the Louvre organised in anticipation of the new Quat Branly Museum are three Nok and Sokoto objects originating from Nigeria. Their presence at the Louvre has aroused much controversy because they were illegally exportecL In 1998, ICOM together with expertsfrom Africa, Europe and North America, drew up an inventory of African cultural objects that are the most endangered. This is known as the Red List, an instrument designed to create and heighten awareness of the problem. It contains a list of categories of African archaeological objects particularly at riskfrom looting and theft. These objects are protected by national legislation, bannedfrom export, and may under rio circumstances be put on sale. The Red List is posted on ICOM's website. The objects destined for the Quai Branly museum were boughtfrom a Belgian art dealer with the proviso that an agreementfrom the Nigerian government would be required before the actual purchase. President Chirac is reported to have personally sought the approval for the purchase of the Noks from President Obasanjo of Nigeria. The top echelon of Nigeria's National Commission for Museums arid Monuments were opposed to such an approval on the ground that the objects were illegally exportedfrom Nigeria arid therefore remained the legal cultural property ofNigeria. In the end a wholly unsatisfactory and unrighteous arrangement was entered into between Nigeria and France. In exchangefor France's recognition of Nigeria's ownership of the three Nok and Sokoto objects, Nigeria agreed to deposit the artefacts concerned with the Musée du Qual Branly. to be exhibited with the museum's permanent collection for the exceptionally long period of 25 years (renewable). Such an arrangement as this is tantamount to declaring an open season on the pillage and theft of Nigeria's art treasures. It is a cultural property smuggler's charter.
- Subjects
PROTECTION of cultural property; ARCHAEOLOGICAL thefts; NOK terra-cotta sculpture; ARCHAEOLOGICAL museums &; collections; MUSEE du Louvre
- Publication
Art, Antiquity & Law, 2003, Vol 8, Issue 2, p133
- ISSN
1362-2331
- Publication type
Article