Vol. 2007 No. 1 (2007)
The Ethics of Archaeological Excavations and Repatriation in Egypt: An African Perspective Comparative Study
Abstract
The study examines ethical considerations in archaeological excavations and repatriation practices within Egypt's historical context. A comparative study involving interviews with Egyptian experts and a review of academic literature from Egypt and abroad. Findings indicate that there is a significant divergence in ethical interpretations regarding repatriation practices between international researchers and local African scholars, particularly concerning the direction and proportion of artifacts to be returned based on their cultural significance and historical context. The study highlights the importance of understanding diverse perspectives in archaeological ethics to foster more equitable and culturally sensitive research approaches. Recommendation for policymakers is to engage in ongoing dialogue with local communities and scholars to ensure that repatriation practices are culturally appropriate and mutually beneficial.