Cultural Heritage Issues ─ The Legacy of Conquest, Colonization and Commerce

As shown by news stories about the repatriation of cultural material to Native American tribes or the fate of thousands of artifacts looted from Iraq's museums during the 2003 U.S. invasion, the protection of cultural heritage is of more than academic concern. Essays in this book deal with various aspects of cultural heritage, including protection of the Maori cultural heritage in New Zealand; the return of African cultural objects looted during the colonial era; the treatment of shipwrecks and their cargo; and the return of artworks looted during the Holocaust. The writing ranges from very accessible to somewhat heavy legalese. Non-specialist readers will find the essays on protecting Iraq's archaeological heritage and on the mythology of the antiquities trade particularly interesting. Both editors are at Willamette U., Salem, Oregon, where Nicgorski teaches art history and archaeology, and Nafziger teaches law and directs the program of international studies. Annotation c2010 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

James A.R. Nafziger is Thomas B. Stoel Professor of Law and Director of International Programs at Willamette University College of Law. He chairs the cultural heritage law committee of the International Law Association.Ann M. Nicgorski is Professor of Art History and Archaeology at Willamette University, where she serves as a Faculty Curator in the Hallie Ford Museum of Art.