As the Telegraph writes, Jamaica plans to build a new museum that will tell the story of the island’s colonization
London, Thanasis Gavos
THE Jamaica intends to claim from the British museum the repatriation of totemic statuettes known as ‘zemi’, with the possibility of a long-term loan being left open by the London cultural institution.
As the Telegraph writes, Jamaica plans to build a new museum that will tell the story of the island’s colonization.
Prominent among the exhibits would be the wood-carved zemi figurines, which were sacred to the local Taino tribe before the arrival of European colonists and the tribe’s annihilation.
These are 15th century artefacts that were found in a cave in 1792 and eventually ended up first in a British collector and then in the British Museum, before Jamaica gained its independence from the British Empire.
In a statement a spokesman for the British Museum said: “Where communities have expressed an interest in exhibiting objects closer to their community of origin, we are always keen to see how we can work together to achieve this. The Museum will consider any loan request for any part of the collection, subject to the usual conditions of condition and readiness for travel.”
The Telegraph comments that the British Museum “looks set to use” the long-term loan model to tackle hot-button issues such as the Parthenon Sculptures
It is noted that with such an agreement controversial gold exhibits will be sent to the Ashanti king in Kenya.
Source :Skai
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