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The time has come when all "art" (and the definition has to be acceptable to all) should be returned to the descendants of those who created the art -or places where it was found and in many cases stolen, for example the Parthonon Marbles which are now housed in London.

I disagree. Many antiquities were found because of anthropological interest by the collectors that was not shared by the "descendants" of that art's creators. The material might otherwise have remained unfound, or perhaps been destroyed by other activities. Some works have been restored and/or preserved for hundreds of years that otherwise would have been lost forever due to neglect, war, vandalism, etc. Should the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco return to "China" (which one?) works that it has held safely for generations (and displayed for the edification of all) when during that time the Communist dictators of China have deliberately destroyed countless priceless artifacts in the name of "Cultural Revolution"? I think not!

Many antiquities were found because of anthropological interest by the collectors that was not shared by the "descendants" of that art's creators.

It's amazing how name "cultures" want their "art" back, once they realize it now has value. Thanks for a common sense post.

In fact we have found that Muslim governments seek to destroy all evidence of culture that predates the Muslim take over. Witness the destruction of Hindu and buddhist temples in India, the destruction of the Buddhist statues in Afganistan, the building of the Al Asqua mosque on the rumored site of the temple (ha the joke was on them, the temple was further north, and the Al Asqua mosque is actually built on the site of the Roman stables. The foundation of the mosque is horse piss!)

Many antiquities were found because of anthropological interest by the collectors that was not shared by the "descendants" of that art's creators.

This is true of many works of art in many fields, and is one of my objections to the endless extensions of copyright. Some works exist today only because someone besides the original creator kept copies (in some cases recopying works that would otherwise have deteriorated beyond use).

"Many antiquities were found because of anthropological interest by the collectors that was not shared by the "descendants" of that art's creators."

How sad...

...This is very true of many Native American artforms saved by the pale face.

Any art that can be shown to be safely housed anywhere and can be proved that it was stolen deserves to be sent back. In the case of Germany and its wish to get back the ancient artifacts taken by the Bolsheviks I would say PROVE that these objects - Coptic amulets, ancient Etruscan and Greek objects - had legitimately found their way into German museums, and then negotiate their return.

Italy returned the Aksum Obelisk recently and has gained lots of respect for doing so. Bravo to Berloscuni.

Now for a specfic example: There is no question in my mind that the Parthenon Marbles should be returned by the Brits. Dittoes for the Germans returning things to the place where they more than likely stolen. The main point is that as much as posible art and artifacts should be viewed in places where they were created in places where the descendants of those who created them still exist.

Bump to that.

If you're going to "give back" properties to people who sold them, usually under duress, I'd like my '66 Mustang back. It was a work of art. And I was very much under duress at the time.