Thesis by Espéra S . G Donouvossi
Master Thesis, 2018
Through colonization, plunder and massive theft, the former Kingdom of Danxômè, current Republic ... more Through colonization, plunder and massive theft, the former Kingdom of Danxômè, current Republic of Benin has lost since 1892 significant amount of irreplaceable works of art and artifacts which represent valuable symbols and information on Benin people’s cultures and identities. This has caused the displacement, distortion, disintegration and identity deconstruction of the traditional and indigenous people and cultures. Therefore, it is a rightful approach when the Benin authorities claimed in August 2016, restitution of those artifacts which are traced in well-known French museums and private collections.
However, while Benin government may have a strong ethical and political case for the restitution, research clearly shows that the juridical case is very weak and represents an infirmity in the effectiveness of the ongoing restitution process. Consequently, this thesis explores alternative means and advocacy strategies for effective restitution. Diplomatic negotiations and UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee mediation are proven to be the most effective ways and means to obtain restitution. The thesis explores some proven successful cases of restitution and suggests a process of three (3) successive steps for the restitution of Benin cultural heritage from France including loans, co-ownership and effective restitution. Extensive research and community participatory appraisal are identified and recommended to enhance current Benin advocacy strategy.
Meanwhile, although Benin has ratified all UNESCO conventions except for 1995 UNIDROIT Convention and established a quite impressive number of national legislations related to heritage protection and promotion, there are still some weaknesses. These include lack of inventory, lack of museum management strategy, lack of innovation and attractiveness in the management of cultural heritage coupled with lack of appropriate mechanisms and instruments to enforce the legislation. There is need for capacity building for national heritage institutions and professionals, need to create a special heritage army to stop illicit art, to develop inter-sectorial linkage strategies as well as diversification of programs offered by heritage institutions and sites. Harmonization with professional standard of operations coupled with an effective use of technologies will definitely improve the attractiveness of Benin heritage institutions and would significantly contribute to develop the country tourism sector.
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Thesis by Espéra S . G Donouvossi
However, while Benin government may have a strong ethical and political case for the restitution, research clearly shows that the juridical case is very weak and represents an infirmity in the effectiveness of the ongoing restitution process. Consequently, this thesis explores alternative means and advocacy strategies for effective restitution. Diplomatic negotiations and UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee mediation are proven to be the most effective ways and means to obtain restitution. The thesis explores some proven successful cases of restitution and suggests a process of three (3) successive steps for the restitution of Benin cultural heritage from France including loans, co-ownership and effective restitution. Extensive research and community participatory appraisal are identified and recommended to enhance current Benin advocacy strategy.
Meanwhile, although Benin has ratified all UNESCO conventions except for 1995 UNIDROIT Convention and established a quite impressive number of national legislations related to heritage protection and promotion, there are still some weaknesses. These include lack of inventory, lack of museum management strategy, lack of innovation and attractiveness in the management of cultural heritage coupled with lack of appropriate mechanisms and instruments to enforce the legislation. There is need for capacity building for national heritage institutions and professionals, need to create a special heritage army to stop illicit art, to develop inter-sectorial linkage strategies as well as diversification of programs offered by heritage institutions and sites. Harmonization with professional standard of operations coupled with an effective use of technologies will definitely improve the attractiveness of Benin heritage institutions and would significantly contribute to develop the country tourism sector.
However, while Benin government may have a strong ethical and political case for the restitution, research clearly shows that the juridical case is very weak and represents an infirmity in the effectiveness of the ongoing restitution process. Consequently, this thesis explores alternative means and advocacy strategies for effective restitution. Diplomatic negotiations and UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee mediation are proven to be the most effective ways and means to obtain restitution. The thesis explores some proven successful cases of restitution and suggests a process of three (3) successive steps for the restitution of Benin cultural heritage from France including loans, co-ownership and effective restitution. Extensive research and community participatory appraisal are identified and recommended to enhance current Benin advocacy strategy.
Meanwhile, although Benin has ratified all UNESCO conventions except for 1995 UNIDROIT Convention and established a quite impressive number of national legislations related to heritage protection and promotion, there are still some weaknesses. These include lack of inventory, lack of museum management strategy, lack of innovation and attractiveness in the management of cultural heritage coupled with lack of appropriate mechanisms and instruments to enforce the legislation. There is need for capacity building for national heritage institutions and professionals, need to create a special heritage army to stop illicit art, to develop inter-sectorial linkage strategies as well as diversification of programs offered by heritage institutions and sites. Harmonization with professional standard of operations coupled with an effective use of technologies will definitely improve the attractiveness of Benin heritage institutions and would significantly contribute to develop the country tourism sector.