Quiz 3-2
In my own opinion, the actions of Carter were not ethical, permissible and understandable. Also according to Egyptian laws, all the contents of the Tutankhamen’s tomb were supposed to be recorded and kept in Egypt. Therefore it word be against the law and unethical for anyone to carry any content of the tomb. Attempts to carry archeological items is one of the major ethical issues especially when the public is involved. Carter may have been tempted to carry the contents of the tomb because he felt entitled to them. The minor objects found at Cater’s place after his death could have been bearing the best information concerning the tomb of Tutankhamen. It was utterly unethical since researchers were expected by the law to document every piece of the content found in any archeological research.
I feel that the museum was supposed to surrender the objects. Even though they acquired the items legally, they did not carry out enough research to determine whether the seller was the genuine owner of the objects. Metropolitan Museum of art in New York was just holding stolen objects. Since the items were identified with certainty that they belonged to Egypt, it was with Egypt’s right to demand their return. Although the Metropolitan Museum may feel disadvantaged by the act of returning these objects, they wrongly acquired them. Returning these objects to Egypt would ensure the preservation of Egyptian culture. Objects build a connection point and a chance to revive and restore specific cultural heritages. Objects provide a chance where these relationships can be built and preserved over time. These relationships are personal and can be among the members of the community and the curators. Therefore, returning these objects to their country of origin is very important because they sustain and develop their cultural practice and knowledge over the years.