On the other hand recent studies (now being reported) reveal that European people received agriculture from immigrants who came in, settled down with local girls (and guys), and passed on both their knowledge and their genes.
Why these people who are obviously their descendants should have to give up family heirlooms to the newcomers now inhabiting Egypt and Greece is a very good question.
I agree, archaeology has often been a form of plunder. The Elgin Marbles should go back and so should much of the British Museums Egyptian collection.
It's their heritage not Yale's. The Brits and the rest should be turning everything back to the Egyptians and Greeks. It's not finders keepers.
An interesting take on the subject. If it was not for people like the "Brits" or the archeologist from Yale, much of these "treasures" would not exist (or have been looted or remained "lost").
These cultures that claim ownership had no interest in these artifacts until after they were rediscovered, salvaged, and studied.
I would think these ancient sites could be views as ship wreck where if the ship is abandoned, whoever salvages the cargo owns the cargo.
It was not Egyptians that discovered the secrets to the hieroglyphics nor was it a Peruvian who discovered the history of the Incas.
These cultures ignored their own history until outsiders showed up and re-discovered it for them.
Why is it that those who know the least say it the loudest?
Actually, in all instances had the locals maintained control of their "priceless" heritage, they would have all disappeared. The dummy response to this is "so what it's theirs". At least I agree with this last part.
We are talking curiosities here; the nexus between the originators and the current activists is tenuous at best and if it makes Yale or anyone else feel good to send the stuff back, good for them.
Other than curiosity value, and the providing a lot of "jobs" to the otherwise unemployable, what good is it?
In many cases, such as this one, permission was specifically given by the then-current government to take the items. Other items, like Cleopatra's Needles, were actually gifts.
If South Africa demanded all its gold and diamonds back, on the grounds that the stuff happened to be under their land when their people first moved into the place, and that it therefore constitutes their heritage, would you surrender yours?