Beginning in the early 20th century, archaeological expeditions related to the Bistec culture of SouthBasan led to the unexpected discovery of monumental architecture (e.g., temples
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Beginning in the early 20th century, archaeological expeditions related to the Bistec culture of SouthBasan led to the unexpected discovery of monumental architecture (e.g., temples and storage silos) andsmaller artifacts (e.g., turquoise jewelry and copper vessels). Although several university and museuminstitutions from around the world were involved with the Bistec archaeological investigations, Dr. FernandoGuzmn, archaeologist and head curator of the Afar University Museum in South Basan, became theforemost scholar in the region. Over the course of working in South Basan over two decades, Fernandoamassed a sizable collection of artifacts which were ultimately housed at the Afar University Museum in theneighboring country of Ustana.Around the time of his retirement, Fernando sought to ensure the preservation of the Bistec artifacts.He placed the entire collection under the auspices of Dr. Ignacio Vallera, his former mentee and head curatorof archaeology at the Stepworth University Museum in the country of New Whayles, Although the Bisteccollection was legally under the care of the Afar University Museum, Fernando, with permission from theSouth Basan Antiquities Department (according to collections records) transferred the Bistec collection to theStepworth University Museum. He did so without the knowledge of the Afar University administration,fearing that they might consider repatriating the collection to South Basan due to growing protests fromIndigenous Bistec communities over the loss of their cultural heritage. In a letter addressed to the StepworthUniversity Museum, Fernando stated that the Bistec collection was to be held indefinitely at Stepworth andwould fall directly under the care of Ignacio at the Stepworth University Museum.Over 10 years after the arrival of the Bistec collection at Stepworth University, Dr. Sergio Rodriguez,a newly hired assistant curator of archaeology at Stepworth, discovers paperwork related to the Bisteccollection. The paperwork found by Sergio includes (1) the original letter written by Fernando addressed tothe Stepworth University Museum and (2) a list of illicitly purchased antiquities with problematicprovenience. Some of these artifacts were housed within the Bistec collection and were likely obtainedthrough looting and trafficking in violation of South Basanian and international laws and treaties. Troubled byhis new findings, Sergio approaches Ignacio and asks for an explanation.”Are you serious, Sergio?” Ignacio mutters angrily under his breath. “Do you know how much of themuseum exhibition space and storage facilities are made up of items from the Bistec collection? Do you?You’re looking to open up Pandora’s Box here. You never saw anything. Leave this matter alone if you knowwhat’s good for you.”Uncertain how to proceed, Sergio wants to address the nebulous status of the Bistec collection atStepworth as well as the illicitly purchased antiquities within the collection. He is especially worried about apotential looming crisis in the face of mounting concern expressed by both the Indigenous peoples of Basanand the Afar University Museum. At the same time, he has a family to feed and can’t afford to lose the job hehas worked so hard for and his standing in the museum community.
Prompt 1 Questions
1. After Dr. Fernando Guzmn gifted his collection to Dr. Ignacio Vallera, what should Dr. Vallera havedone?
2. What elements of UNESCO 1970 are most important when considering this scenario? How do they helpto inform a possible course of action?
3. How should Sergio navigate the fact that many of the Bistec objects are stolen, looted, or illegallypurchased?
4. How might Sergio balance the needs of the Afar Museum and Indigenous people with the protectiveattitude of Ignacio?
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