Whose Cultural Objects? Introducing Heritage Title for Cross-Border Cultural Property Claims

Development summary

The article examines the continued looting, smuggling and trade in cultural objects and the treatment of such objects, once located in a new country, under ownership rules and the private-law regime of that country. It proposes that original owners should be able to rely on a distinct “heritage title” where a continuing cultural link exists, drawing on international cultural heritage and human-rights law norms.