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“Forging the Path to Decolonization: Cultural Heritage,
Museums, and the Future of Collaboration”
30. Nov 2023 Ethnografische Sammlungen dekolonisieren – aber wie? (Abstract s.u.)
Dongeun Kim
In our recent class, we delved into themes derived from the Heidelberg Statement and
various other sources, exploring diverse facets of cultural heritage, museums, and collections.
Predominantly centered around issues of decolonization, the topics covered shed light on a
multifaceted understanding of the challenges and opportunities at hand.
1. The Imperative of Decolonization:**
The Heidelberg Statement emphasizes the importance of dialogue, expertise, and support,
asserting the necessity for the repatriation of unlawfully acquired artifacts to their countries
of origin. Conversely, another source underscores the significance of research and
collaboration regarding artifacts from the colonial era in German ethnological museums. This
not only advocates for repatriation but also stresses the importance of forming new
understandings and relationships through collaborative efforts.
2. The Value and Preservation of Cultural Heritage:**
The Heidelberg Statement highlights the significance of compensation negotiations that

consider the importance of the regions of origin, asserting that museums represent a broader
value beyond colonial heritage. Simultaneously, another perspective insists that museums
must transparently handle the history and content of their collections, emphasizing the
necessity for collaborative source investigations through cooperation, dialogue, and
negotiation processes. This suggests that respecting the value of cultural heritage requires an
inclusive and cooperative approach.
3. Preservation of Human Remains and Sensitive Artifacts:**
The Heidelberg Statement addresses the ethical responsibility for the preservation of
human remains, stored items, and sacred artifacts, welcoming public engagement. The
German Society for Ethnology AG Museum stresses the ethical responsibility for the
management and preservation of sensitive objects, highlighting the need for museums to
recognize their greater societal responsibilities and engage in public communication and
collaboration. This underscores the understanding that museums must manage their
collections with a greater social responsibility, engaging with the public and fostering
cooperation.
4. Mission of World Cultural and Ethnographic Museums:**
The Heidelberg Statement emphasizes the sharing of knowledge through collaborative

source investigations, transparency, and cultural understanding, with a focus on respecting
and cooperating with societies of origin. Another perspective from the German Society for
Ethnology AG Museum underscores the importance of collaboration with scholars and
museum professionals from the countries of origin in conducting source investigations. This
illustrates that world cultural and ethnographic museums can provide richer experiences by
sharing knowledge, embracing diverse perspectives, and collaborating with source societies.
5. Future-Oriented Dialogue:**
The Heidelberg Statement underlines the importance of transitioning into the digital age
and the significance of a multiperspective approach, proposing the potential roles of world
cultural and ethnographic museums in the future. Another perspective highlights the need for
collaboration, support, and a responsible role of museums in addressing global challenges,
proposing that preparation for the future involves fair knowledge distribution and
collaboration with source societies. This suggests that a collaborative and sustainable
approach is essential for museums to adapt and thrive in the future.
In conclusion, the themes explored in the class provide a comprehensive perspective on the
challenges faced by cultural heritage and museums, emphasizing the need for collaboration
and sustainable dialogue for a harmonious future.
The lecture covers various aspects of the issue of decolonization from an anthropological
point of view, and emphasizes the core principles of decolonization around cultural heritage
and museums.
In the recent lecture, we delved into the importance of preserving cultural heritage and its
value. Following this, the current discussion focused on the attitudes and perspectives that
museums and academia should adopt to conserve this cultural heritage. Moreover, the
conversation extended to the efforts necessary for such preservation. The seamless
connection between these topics was commendable. As citizens of a country with a history
entwined with colonialism, paying more attention to these matters could contribute
significantly to the conservation of our cultural heritage.
In the previous lecture, a profound understanding of how cultural heritage holds value and
significance was gained. This heritage, reflecting our history and identity, necessitates
continuous preservation.
The discussion emphasized the need for a responsible attitude from museums and academia
in their efforts to preserve cultural heritage. This involves not only appropriately handling
historical artifacts and exhibiting them fairly but also conducting origin research and adopting
a collaborative approach with various stakeholders.
Particularly relevant for citizens of countries with a history of colonial rule, considering
one's national identity while raising awareness and interest in the conservation of cultural
heritage is crucial. This approach can contribute to healing historical wounds and building a
better future based on the lessons of the past.
The discussion highlighted the importance of individual interest and contributions to the
history and cultural heritage of one's region. It was emphasized that personal efforts,
alongside those of museums and academia, play a crucial role in the preservation of cultural
heritage.
The consensus in the discussion was that collaboration and concerted efforts are essential
for the preservation of cultural heritage. Communication with diverse stakeholders and efforts
to bridge historically strained relationships in a modern context were seen as crucial steps to
enhance the conservation of cultural heritage.
Through this discussion, it became evident that the preservation of cultural heritage is not
solely the responsibility of experts but requires the collective interest and efforts of the entire
community. The hope is that these combined efforts will form a society that respects and
conserves our cultural heritage.

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“Forging the Path to Decolonization: Cultural Heritage,

Museums, and the Future of Collaboration”

1. The Imperative of Decolonization:**

2. The Value and Preservation of Cultural Heritage:**

The Heidelberg Statement highlights the significance of compensation negotiations that

3. Preservation of Human Remains and Sensitive Artifacts:**

4. Mission of World Cultural and Ethnographic Museums:**

The Heidelberg Statement emphasizes the sharing of knowledge through collaborative

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