Pre-reading questions:
- Have you been to a museum? How was the experience?
- Do you think artifacts are important to a country’s cultural identity? Why or why not?
Vocabulary:
- injustice /in-JUHS-tis/
- immense /ih-MENS/
- preservation /prez-er-VEY-shuhn/
- mutual /MYOO-choo-uhl/
- respectful /ri-SPEKT-fuhl/
[noun] – (an example of) a situation in which there is no fairness and justice
The organization provides legal aid to those who have experienced injustice and cannot afford representation.
[adjective] – extremely large in size or degree
The concert drew an immense crowd, with thousands of people filling the stadium.
[noun] – the act of keeping something the same or of preventing it from being damaged
The historical society is dedicated to the preservation of old buildings in the town.
[adjective] – (of two or more people or groups) feeling the same emotion, or doing the same thing to or for each other
The two countries signed a mutual defense agreement, pledging to support each other in the event of an attack.
[adjective] – showing politeness or honour to someone or something
The students had a respectful discussion, listening to each other’s opinions and treating one another with courtesy.
Article reading:
The repatriated artifacts, which include valuable items like statues, jewelry, and ceremonial objects, hold immense cultural and historical significance. Their return will contribute to the restoration of cultural identity and deepen the understanding of local heritage in Sri Lanka and Indonesia. The repatriation process also symbolizes respect and recognition for the affected communities and their cultural heritage. The Netherlands’ actions serve as a positive example for other nations with colonial histories to reevaluate their collections and engage in similar repatriation efforts. This approach fosters inclusivity and equity in cultural heritage by acknowledging the rights of source countries and supporting the preservation and celebration of their cultural legacy. It is hoped that this initiative will promote dialogue, collaboration, and mutual understanding between the Netherlands, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia, paving the way for a more inclusive and respectful approach to cultural heritage preservation in the future.
Comprehension questions
- Why are the Netherlands repatriating stolen cultural artifacts to Sri Lanka and Indonesia?
- What types of artifacts are being returned as part of the repatriation process?
- How does the repatriation of these artifacts contribute to the restoration of cultural identity in Sri Lanka and Indonesia?
- What is the significance of the repatriation process in terms of respect and recognition?
- How does the Netherlands’ actions set an example for other nations with colonial histories, and what is the desired outcome of such efforts?
Discussion questions
- How do you feel about the Netherlands’ decision to repatriate stolen cultural artifacts to Sri Lanka and Indonesia?
- What do you think the significance of repatriating cultural artifacts is in terms of preserving cultural identity and heritage?
- Do you believe that returning stolen artifacts can help rectify historical injustices and promote cultural diplomacy?
- How might the repatriation of stolen artifacts contribute to fostering stronger relationships between countries with colonial histories and the affected communities?
- Do you believe that other countries with colonial histories should follow the Netherlands’ example and engage in similar repatriation efforts? Why or why not?