Return of treasure

One of the compelling issues in relation to the protection of cultural heritage is the repatriation of valuable ancient objects removed from their country of origin by way of theft or illegal export, or during wars, conquests and colonisation.

However, the process of such repatriation is often complex. A notable case is that of the Parthenon Friezes, also known as the Elgin Marbles, which have been prized possessions of the British Museum since 1816 and remain a matter of discord between Greece and Britain.

But there are some alternative outcomes. Israel, for instance, returned to Egypt this week two stolen sarcophagus lids. The objects, believed to be more than 3,000 years old, were seized from an antiquity dealer’s shop in East Jerusalem.

Israel said the move was a sign of warmer ties between the countries. If Israelis are in a mood to give things back, perhaps they might want to extend the gesture to stolen Palestinian land.