Ongemakkelijk erfgoed. Koloniale collecties en teruggave in de Lage Landen

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The Lombok treasure, the cannon of the king of Kandy, a nail statue from Congo, the skull of the Congolese hero Lusinga, and the Benin bronzes are just a few examples of the many objects that have come into the possession of Dutch and Belgian museums, often through improper means. Private collections have also amassed numerous items from the colonies over the centuries. This accumulation now raises uncomfortable questions, prompting efforts to return valuable artifacts. Can museums and individuals in the Netherlands and Belgium continue to exhibit and retain (art)historical objects from former colonies without concern? The former colonies have been calling for the return of their lost heritage since gaining independence. While the Low Countries have returned some items in the past, they have often ignored these calls. Governments, museums, and private owners now recognize that this situation is unsustainable. Questions arise regarding how and when these objects arrived in Europe, whether they are all looted art, and how the process of returning them works. Are there successful examples of restitution? Should items be returned if they are not missed in their current locations?