Egyptian archaeologists have become the latest in a long line to call for the British Museum to return historic artefacts to their original owner. The Rosetta Stone, which has been on display as part of an exhibition at the museum, has come into conversation after a petition was raised calling for its return.
The petition, which has over 150k signatures was set up by archaeologist Zahi Hawass and states that "it seems absurd that the British Museum would continue to hold on to such a blatant symbol of its colonial past". But what are some other artefacts that are in the British Museum which other countries have asked to be returned?
Take a look at our list below...
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The Benin Bronzes
These bronze figures of soldiers were stolen from the King's palace by British troops during the Benin Expedition in 1897. The sculptures that were made in 1550 and 1750 helped changed European attitudes to African culture in that it showed that African countries had sophisticated technology and a rich artistic tradition.
The return of these artefacts have a muddled history due to the territories claimed by Benin and neighbouring Nigeria. Both countries were once part of the West African Kingdom but have since been separated. However, there are questions as to where Bronzes were created and who they belong to.
Last month Germany returned 20 of the sculptures that they had taken in a ceremony that was held in Abuja, Nigeria.
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Cyrus Cylinder
The baked clay cylinder has the rules of former Persian King Cyrus inscribed on them. They were found in the ruins of Bablyon and taken to the British Museum.
Like the Benin Bronzes, the rightful owner of the artefact has been called into question. Despite being found in Bagdad, the cylinder is claimed by Iran.
Easter Island statue
Perhaps the most iconic and well known on the list, the giant statue was taken from the remote Chilean Easter Island back in 1869. Back in 2019 the Rapa Nui leaders requested the return of the statue during a meeting with British Museum bosses.
However, just a month after the meeting, the mayor of Rapa Nui conceded that maybe the statue should remain at the British Museum to better preserve the monument.
The Elgin Marbles/Parthenon sculptures
These gorgeous sculptures came to our shores in the hands of British aristocrat Earl of Elgin. They were created between 447-438 BC.
Just how these gorgeous sculptures came to be in the hands of Earl of Elgin between 1801 and 1812 is unknown, but they are viewed as a national treasure by both the Brits and the Greeks.
Over the years Greece has made repeated requests for the sculptures to be returned and now it looks like they finally could be. THe British Museum has reportedly has drawn up an agreement with Athens to loan back the Elgin Marbles in a long-term "cultural exchange".
Ethiopian tabots
The tabot is a tablet with the ten commandments inscribed on it. A handful of them were looted during the 1868 Abyssinia (modern Ethiopia) expedition by the British and they have been scattered across the region.
Some have been returned to Ethiopia but due to their dispersal, finding a majority of them has proven difficult.
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