Heritage organisations seek to ensure that they hold collections documentation demonstrating that objects in their collections have good provenance and have not, at some point in their history, been acquired as a result of spoliation and/or illicit trade. Occasionally, either as the result of an organisation’s research or as the result of a claim made by an individual or community, objects in public collections are returned to previous owners. Restitution is the process by which cultural objects are returned to an individual or a community. Repatriation is the process by which cultural objects are returned to a nation or state at the request of a government.
This checklist will help you to clarify the identity and status of claimants in the event of a claim for restitution or repatriation made against objects in your collection. It is intended as a guide only to be adapted to individual circumstances.
This template can be used by cultural heritage organisations to record a claim for restitution or repatriation made against an object in their collection. It provides a first step in the process of recording and researching the claim, and is an essential step in the decision making process.
If a claim for restitution or repatriation is received by a cultural heritage organisation, a transparent and open process for assessing the claim should be followed. This resource outlines possible steps in the process.
The Museum Association Code of Ethics defines the ethical principles which guide museum practice and underpin policy and practice regarding the development of museum collections.