11 December 2021, The Guardian
Miranda Sawyer reviewing Radio 4’s Vice World News, The Unfiltered History Tour ‘which brings a fresh eye to favourite museum pieces’.
'Remember Radio 4’s The History of the World in 100 Objects, hosted by the former British Museum director Neil MacGregor? This is the flip side. The Unfiltered History Tour wants the British Museum to return certain artefacts (“stolen goods”) to the places they originally came from.' Writes Miranda Sawyer.
This one was about the Easter Island statues. Islanders Sergio Mata’u Rapu and Tarita Alarcón Rapu, who are working to get Hoa Hakananai’a back. “For us, it’s not just a well-carved rock,” said Tarita. “It’s a living ancestor. Living.” Miranda goes back to listen to the relevant 100 Objects episode (this Easter Island statue is at No 70). 'The contrast between MacGregor’s lofty, academic approach and the emotion of Sergio and Tarita was stark.'
She concludes: ‘Other episodes discuss the Benin bronzes, the Rosetta stone, and, of course, the Parthenon Marbles. There is much non-romantic true love for them all, and it’s hard to argue that these works should not be returned to where they resonate the most’.
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