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The Hopi Native American tribe, from northeast Arizona, made several religious items that represent their spirits that were taken over time. These items were used in various Hopi rituals including coming-of-age ceremonies and harvest rituals. Many of these items were left unattended in shrines or altars and were stolen by exploring settlers. Some were confiscated by missionaries who were trying to convert the Native Americans to Christianity. Some Hopi Native Americans were forced to sell these items.Now, these religious artifacts are being sold at an auction in Paris. There are 70 of these items that are sacred to the Hopi being sold at this auction. The Hopi's say that these items should be returned to them because of their religious significance. The objects will likely sell for between $10,000 and $35,000 each. The Hopi say that these items should not be sold for commercial value. However, there is no way for them to claim them without actually buying them.
There is no legal procedure for the Hopi Native Americans to clam these items that were stolen from them over 100 years ago. The United States has laws and treaties which allow other countries to request that cultural artifacts being sold in the United States be returned to them. However, the United States does not have any way to request that artifacts being sold in other countries be returned to the United States because there are no treaties in the reverse direction.
The director of the auction house says that these items being sold means that people are interested in learning about Hopi culture and civilization. The Hopi tribe believes that selling these items for profit is offensive to their religion. The fact that people are paying thousands of dollars for these items shows that it has a great significance to the world and not just the Hopi Native Americans.
Do you believe the United States should have laws and treaties that prevent the sale of Native American cultural artifacts, stolen or not? Why or why not?
I think that the United States shouldn't make laws to stop the selling of Native American artifacts. It may be their property, but if it's no longer in their possession they cannot always prove it was stolen. Also, there may be cases with certain tribes that do not mind people being interested in the artifacts and buying them. I think it sometimes is a good thing people want to appreciate part of the Native American culture. If a tribe wants their possessions back from a long time ago, then they should work something out with the person that has possession of it because different situations do occur.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Sashas comment because if someone buys a Native American artifact, it is in their possession and they own it. Like Sasha said, it may be their property but they do not own it anymore. It could have been stolen but how can Native Americans prove that? Another Native American could have sold it to a non-Native without others knowing, so it is not theirs anymore. I also think that it is good for others to be interested in the culture by owning their past belongings. It could benefit society being more educated with their culture. If a Native American is really worried about another person being in possession of an artifact, then I think they should buy it back from them or come up with some sort of treaty with them.
ReplyDeleteI disagree with the statements made by Sasha and Hannah. It is unfair for people to sell items that were stolen, especially if the people who were stolen from are aware that their stolen items are being sold. There should be laws to prevent the sale of Native American cultural artifacts. However, it is not the responsibility of the United States to make these laws. If the United States made laws to prevent the sale of Native American cultural artifacts, it would seem like paternalism. Individual tribes need to try to negotiate with the United States and other countries to prevent the sale of their own cultural artifacts. This way the tribes can handle the sale of cultural artifacts and decide whether or not they want to prevent it. This takes the United States out of the paternalistic position and is a good way for Native American Tribes to handle their own decisions.
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