Until the 20th century, many cultural goods were brought to Europe from colonial contexts. This was often done by force, through military action or on behalf of museums and university collections. Baden-Württemberg is leading the way in coming to terms with the colonial era and its consequences. The possible restitution of cultural goods and human remains from colonial contexts is embedded in an overall strategy involving museums, universities, archives and the communities of origin - this is the Baden-Württemberg approach.
Petra Olschowski, Minister of Science, Research and Arts: "The question of how we handle cultural goods and other objects in our collections that were acquired in a colonial context is increasingly being discussed - far beyond the museums. The topic is also gaining relevance in society, as coming to terms with the past is always the starting point for understanding the present. Baden-Württemberg is fulfilling its historical responsibility in this regard."
Transparency and openness are of crucial importance when engaging with colonial legacies. This means: well-processed and curated collections that also provide information about the objects' origins and a possible colonial context. For this reason, the collections in Baden-Württemberg's museums and universities are being systematically processed and the results made available online. This is the starting point for further dialogue and cooperation - especially with the communities and countries of origin.
The restitution of ancestral remains taken from colonial contexts carries a specific ethical obligation, as these consist of bones, skulls and skeletons of deceased individuals. Ancestral remains were often looted by force, in a fundamentally unethical manner, and brought to Europe. This was almost always done without the consent of themselves and of their relatives.
The restitution of human remains - in close consultation with representatives of the communities of origin - is a high priority for Baden-Württemberg. In doing so, the state is acting in accordance with the Framework Principles for Dealing with Collections from Colonial Contexts, which were adopted by the federal and state governments and the municipal umbrella organisations in 2019. The Framework Principles include the obligation to restitute ancestral remains unconditionally.
So far, ancestral remains have been restituted to delegations from Australia, New Zealand, Hawai’i and Marshall Islands.
Pressemitteilung (Press release DE) (Hawaii)
Pressemitteilung (Press release DE) (Neuseeland)
Pressemitteilung (Press release DE) (Australien)
Pressemitteilung (Press release DE) (Marshallinseln)
