Abstract

This paper examines restitution and repatriation debates within museum practice as central mechanisms for 
addressing colonial injustices and reshaping global cultural governance. It explores how historical patterns of 
extraction, legal pluralism, and unequal power relations continue to influence contemporary claims over cultural 
property held in museums worldwide. The study analyses the evolving legal and ethical frameworks governing 
restitution, including international conventions, soft law instruments, and national legislation, highlighting their 
limitations and uneven enforcement. It further investigates how museums are transitioning from custodial 
institutions to actors of cultural diplomacy, using restitution as both a moral response and a strategic tool in 
international relations. Through selected case studies including Benin bronzes, the Elgin Marbles, and Indigenous 
heritage claims, the paper illustrates the tensions between ownership, access, and cultural identity. It also 
considers emerging practices such as digitization, provenance research, and co-creation with source communities 
as transformative approaches to museum governance. Ultimately, the paper argues that restitution is not only a 
legal or ethical issue but also a dynamic process of cultural negotiation, diplomacy, and redefinition of shared 
heritage in a postcolonial world.