The dispute has lasted since the summer of 2023, but the bronze head of the Roman emperor Septimius Severus will finally be returned to Turkey, the Danish museum that owned it announced today.
“The Sculpture Gallery supported the request for the return of this ancient bronze portrait to Turkey,” it said in its statement.
Two years ago, a headless statue of Septimius Severus (145-211) returned to Turkey, after remaining for decades in the US, in the collection of a private individual who had lent it to the Metropolitan Museum in New York.
In the past, this statue was thought to be connected to the bronze head found in Denmark. The head of the Roman emperor was added to the Gallery’s collection in 1970, but there was no information about its provenance. In 1979, a former museum conservator concluded that Denmark’s head and New York’s body were two halves of one statue.
The two halves were put together for a temporary exhibition, and Turkish archaeologist Zale Inan then concluded that they came from the ancient Lycian city of Vubo. Based on the arguments of Inan, who has since passed away, the Turkish embassy in Denmark formally requested the return of the brass head in May 2023 – a request that was initially met with reservations.
“I’m not saying they don’t fit together. I’m just saying that we’re not as sure, as we weren’t 25 to 30 years ago,” said an executive at the Glyptotheka, Rune Frederiksen, at the time.
Although it has not been established with certainty that the two halves are one statue, the Danish museum concluded that the sculpture in its possession did indeed come from the town of Vuvona (modern Dikmen Tepe) on the coast of Turkey.
“Unique archaeological treasures from Vuvona were illegally sold to collectors and museums around the world. In recent years a large number of these objects, especially those kept in collections in the USA, have been returned,” said the museum’s director, Gertrud Hvidberg-Hansen. “These factors contributed to our decision to agree to Turkey’s request,” he added.
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#Denmark #returns #Roman #statue #Turkey
**What are the potential challenges and opportunities that museums face when balancing their role as custodians of global cultural heritage with the ethical considerations surrounding repatriation?**
Here’s a potential interview script, broken down by theme, following journalistic best practices:
**Introduction**
* **Host:** Welcome to World Today News. Today, we’re discussing the repatriation of a bronze head of the Roman Emperor Septimius Severus to Turkey after a two-year dispute. Joining me today are Dr. Ayşe Demir, an archaeologist specializing in Roman artifacts at Istanbul University, and Rune Frederiksen, former Executive at the Glyptothek Museum in Copenhagen. Welcome to you both.
**Theme 1: Provenance and the Role of Evidence**
* **Host:** Dr. Demir, this head was in a Danish museum for over 50 years with no clear origin information. How important is it to establish provenance when dealing with ancient artifacts?
* **Dr. Demir:** Provenance is absolutely crucial. It’s the historical record of an object’s ownership and movement, helping us understand its cultural context and ensure responsible ownership.
* **Host:** Mr. Frederiksen, initially, the Glyptothek expressed reservations about the return. What were the concerns, and how did the museum eventually reach its decision?
* **Mr. Frederiksen:** Initial concerns were based on doubts about the definitive connection between the head and the body, which was held in New York. While the head likely originated from the Turkish region of Vuvona, definitively linking it to the body remained a challenge. However, the museum recognizes the importance of ethical repatriation, and the strong evidence presented by Turkish authorities regarding the head’s origin ultimately led to our decision.
**Theme 2: Ethical Considerations and Cultural Heritage**
* **Host:** Dr. Demir, this case highlights the ongoing debate regarding the repatriation of cultural objects. What are some of the key arguments in favor of returning artifacts to their countries of origin?
* **Dr. Demir:** Reuniting artifacts with their original cultures allows for deeper understanding, appreciation, and preservation within their historical context. It acknowledges the cultural heritage rights of source nations and can foster stronger relationships between nations.
* **Host:** Mr. Frederiksen, museums often argue that they play a vital role in preserving and showcasing historical artifacts for the benefit of the global community. How can museums balance these aspects with the ethical concerns surrounding repatriation?
* **Mr. Frederiksen:** Museums can play a crucial role in promoting intercultural understanding through collaboration with the countries of origin. We can work together on research, conservation, and joint exhibitions, ensuring access and appreciation for these objects while respecting their cultural significance.
**Theme 3: The Impact of this Specific Case**
* **Host:** Mr. Frederiksen, what impact do you anticipate this decision will have on the Glyptothek’s collection and future acquisitions policies?
* **Mr. Frederiksen:** This case has certainly prompted us to review our acquisition policies and intensify our
efforts to establish clear provenance for all our artifacts. We are committed to transparency and ethical practices moving forward.
* **Host:** Dr. Demir, how might this repatriation contribute to the ongoing conversation about cultural heritage protection and international collaboration?
* **Dr. Demir:** This case sets a positive precedent for future repatriation efforts and highlights the importance of open dialog between museums and source nations. It sends a strong message about respecting cultural heritage and acknowledging the rightful ownership of artifacts.
**Closing**
* **Host:** Thank you both for providing such insightful perspectives on this important topic. It’s clear that repatriation is a complex issue with multifaceted ethical considerations. The return of the Septimius Severus head to Turkey serves as a reminder of the ongoing dialog and collaboration needed to ensure the responsible stewardship of our shared cultural heritage.
This interview format allows for a deeper exploration of the topic, encouraging insightful answers and presenting diverse viewpoints. Remember to tailor the interview based on the specific responses and expertise of the guests.
