Routing Returns: Repatriation/Rematriation of Orphaned Cultural Objects

This seminar explores the complexities of repatriating cultural objects that are often overlooked or considered insignificant by Western institutions and capitalist markets, yet hold immense cultural significance for source communities. 

It will feature two panels and a special film screening, focusing on the Tboli people of the Philippines and a specific repatriation story of their material culture.

Panel 1: "Non-Monumental Objects, Uncommon Returns: Pathways for Repatriation"

The first panel will bring together experts from museums, legal entities, and cultural institutions to discuss practical approaches for returning objects that were not looted but have nonetheless found their way into Western collections. These objects, often seen as valueless from a market perspective, present unique challenges for repatriation. 

The panel will address the logistics, legal frameworks, and ethical considerations involved in returning such items to source communities, with case studies highlighting successful returns of "unusual" or "orphaned" objects.

• Lewis McNaught (General Editor of Returning Heritage)
• Amy Shakespeare (General Editor for Routes to Return)

Panel 2

The Curator of the World Cultures Museums in Liverpool and the Pitt Rivers gives an overview of the process of return for non-looted objects and speaks with a source culture bearer on practical steps to begin the repatriation process.

• Meghan Backhouse (Global Cultures, National Museums, Liverpool)
• Mark Sapaen Watan (Igorot UK Charity)

Film Screening

In a repatriation story of collective kindness, a curator, a scholar and a schoolteacher guide Billie Riley, an Englishwoman who lived with a cultural community of Tboli people in the 1970’s, on an emotional journey to their ancestral home of Lake Sebu, Philippines to give back her collection of beautiful and sacred objects.

Panel 3

Benjie Manuel in conversation with Billie Riley, Cristina Juan and Marian Pastor Roces. Creating rematriating processes through storytelling and the re-connection of in/tangible heritage. This event will be followed by a networking and wine reception.

This event is made possible through the ESRC's SOAS Impact Acceleration Account grant for the Gónô Tmutul Festival of Storytelling (20-21 July 2024).

It is also the Inaugural event for the SOAS PARR Network (Provenance, Accessibility, Repatriation and Restitution Network) for this academic year.

Header image credit: Wooden Carvings of the Bululs, a representation of the ancestors of the Bontoc Tribe by Jayzl Nebre-Villafania.