Freakonomics Radio 543. How to Return Stolen Art
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May 18, 2023 
Patricia Allen, a curator from Glasgow Museums focused on repatriation, and Lonnie G. Bunch III, Secretary of the Smithsonian, explore the ethical landscape of museums today. They discuss the colonial legacy of looted artifacts, particularly the Benin bronzes, and the complexities of returning these treasures. Their conversation highlights the need for museums to engage with social justice issues and cultural sensitivity, advocating innovative solutions that prioritize collaboration and community involvement in the repatriation process.
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A Curator's Perspective
- Patricia Allen, curator at Glasgow Museums, questioned the ownership of artifacts.
- She felt museums shouldn't hoard items from other cultures, especially when diaspora communities couldn't access them.
Museums: Trophy Cases or Warehouses?
- Museums initially served as trophy cases, showcasing Britain's global influence.
- Now, they are seen as repositories of looted goods, particularly with changing economic times.
Benin Bronzes and Trade
- The Benin bronzes in Glasgow Museums include a plaque fragment by the "Master of the Circle Cross."
- This fragment depicts a Portuguese figure, highlighting historical trade between Europe and Africa and sophisticated African craftsmanship predating colonization.