Smithsonian Institution

Definition

The Smithsonian Institution is a group of museums, research centers, and education facilities in the United States, founded in 1846, with a mission to increase and diffuse knowledge. It plays a vital role in repatriation and cultural property issues by serving as a custodian of numerous artifacts and collections, often raising questions about ownership and the rightful return of cultural heritage to Indigenous peoples and other nations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Smithsonian Institution comprises 19 museums, 21 libraries, 9 research centers, and a zoo, making it one of the largest museum complexes in the world.
2. It is funded by a combination of federal appropriations, private donations, and revenue from ticket sales and membership fees, which affects how it navigates repatriation requests.
3. The institution has been involved in several high-profile repatriation cases, working with Indigenous communities to return sacred objects and ancestral remains.
4. Smithsonian's policies reflect ongoing discussions about the ethics of collection practices, particularly regarding items acquired during colonial times or through dubious means.
5. In recent years, the Smithsonian has made efforts to develop partnerships with Indigenous groups to facilitate more collaborative approaches to collections management and cultural preservation.

Review Questions

• How does the Smithsonian Institution's role as a custodian of artifacts influence repatriation efforts?
  • The Smithsonian Institution's role as a custodian places it in a unique position regarding repatriation efforts. It holds vast collections that often include artifacts taken from Indigenous peoples and other cultures without their consent. This responsibility compels the institution to engage in discussions about ethical stewardship and the importance of returning items to their rightful owners. Such efforts highlight the institution's commitment to acknowledging historical injustices and fostering better relationships with affected communities.
• Discuss the impact of NAGPRA on the practices of the Smithsonian Institution regarding Native American artifacts.
  • NAGPRA significantly impacts how the Smithsonian Institution manages its collections related to Native American artifacts. The law requires federal institutions to inventory their collections for items that may be repatriated to Indigenous tribes. As a result, the Smithsonian has had to review its collections carefully and work with tribes to return culturally significant items. This legislative framework encourages transparency and accountability in museum practices while promoting collaboration with Indigenous communities.
• Evaluate the challenges faced by the Smithsonian Institution in balancing cultural preservation with repatriation demands.
  • The Smithsonian Institution faces numerous challenges in balancing cultural preservation with repatriation demands. While it aims to protect and conserve artifacts for public education and appreciation, it must also respect the cultural significance these items hold for their originating communities. Issues arise when considering legal ownership versus moral responsibilities, particularly for items acquired under colonial circumstances. Additionally, financial constraints may hinder repatriation efforts, as returning artifacts can lead to concerns about maintaining the integrity of exhibitions and educational programs.

Related terms

Repatriation: The process of returning artifacts or human remains to their country of origin or to the descendants of the original owners.

Cultural Heritage:

The legacy of physical artifacts and intangible attributes of a group or society inherited from past generations, which holds cultural significance.

NAGPRA:

The Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, a U.S. law that mandates federal agencies and institutions to return Native American cultural items to their respective tribes.