As the debate over repatriation continues, Jacobs’ research adds a critical layer of complexity. It suggests that not all artifacts in Western museums were obtained through coercion or theft, but rather through mutually beneficial arrangements that were contextually appropriate at the time.
This insight could influence ongoing discussions about the return of artifacts, highlighting the need for a case-by-case evaluation based on historical evidence.
Jacobs said: “These things did not have priceless valuations that we project on to them today… I have found new evidence that hasn’t been looked at before that will change our view of objects in the British Museum and other institutions.”
Last year’s revelations of thefts of 1,500 museum items sparked renewed international repatriation requests, among them, by China’s state-run English-language newspaper Global Times.
