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Who Should Own the Past?

Author

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  • Maija Halonen-Aktawijuka
  • Evanjelos Parfilis

Abstract

We examine restitution of cultural goods. We show that host country own-ership and location of the cultural good can be optimal when the host countryinvests in restoration and has indispensable technical skills. Full restitutionbecomes optimal when the host country completes restoration, while return inthe form of loan to the source country can be optimal when the source countrybecomes indispensable due to its cultural significance. Valuation changes cantrigger restitution, but do not pin down its optimal form. We apply our anal-ysis to the restitution of Icelandic manuscripts and the proposed loan of Beninbronzes to Nigeria.

Suggested Citation

  • Maija Halonen-Aktawijuka & Evanjelos Parfilis, 2022. "Who Should Own the Past?," Bristol Economics Discussion Papers 22/758, School of Economics, University of Bristol, UK.
    • Handle: RePEc:bri:uobdis:22/758
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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