The British Museum, previously accused of cultural appropriation, has now made a plea for assistance locating stolen artifacts, prompting some irony-filled reactions on social media.
The museum has initiated a public hotline seeking help locating around 2,000 missing artifacts, including ancient Greek and Roman gems and jewelry.
Last month, the museum terminated an employee in the midst of a crisis involving stolen, missing, or damaged items, which revealed internal shortcomings and led to the resignation of its director a few days later. The British Museum, renowned for housing treasures like the Rosetta Stone and the Parthenon marbles, boasts one of the world's most visited collections and has since enhanced its security measures.
According to a statement, the museum has already recovered 60 items, with an additional 300 identified for imminent return. On its website, the museum has provided a dedicated email address for individuals who may possess or have possessed items from the British Museum or have relevant information to contact them.
Following expert advice, the museum has chosen not to disclose the full details of the stolen items. However, the stolen items include gold rings, earrings, jewelry dating back to ancient Greek and Roman periods, and small objects like gems often used in rings.
In addition to cooperating with the London police and actively monitoring the art market, the museum has registered the missing items on the Art Loss Register database. The museum is also seeking guidance from an international panel of experts.
The British Museum has been facing demands from various governments to repatriate historical artifacts to their countries of origin. In August, Chinese state media called for the return of all Chinese relics to China free of charge. Similarly, the Greek government renewed its call to return the Parthenon Sculptures, also known as the Elgin Marbles, in the same month.
Nigerian officials have also urged the museum to return the Benin Bronzes, which were taken from the Benin kingdom and now reside within the museum's collection.
Social media users have pointed out the irony of the museum seeking public assistance in locating stolen items, with one user humorously suggesting, "Have they tried looking in the British Museum?"
"Here’s a map to some stolen artefacts," another user wrote, attaching a picture of a map of the museum.