Embrace your Cultural Art Objects: The Truth about Looting and Cultural Appropriation
As an African, I have always been proud of my cultural heritage. From the music to the food, everything about my culture is beautiful. However, when it comes to cultural art objects, many people believe that they are demonic or satanic. But the truth is far from that. Those who made you believe so actually looted your art and now display them with pride in their museums and art galleries. So, it's time to embrace your cultural art objects and celebrate them for what they are - a part of your heritage.
The practice of looting cultural artifacts is not new. For centuries, colonial powers and conquerors have stolen art objects from various cultures and brought them back to their own countries. The British Museum, for example, holds many cultural objects that were taken from other countries, including the Rosetta Stone, the Elgin Marbles, and the Benin Bronzes. These objects have a rich cultural history, but their value has been diminished by their removal from their place of origin and their display in a foreign land.
Moreover, the appropriation of cultural objects has been rampant in recent years, particularly in the fashion industry. We've seen instances where designers use traditional cultural symbols and patterns without giving credit to the communities from which they originate. This appropriation not only takes away from the cultural significance of the objects but also profits from it without giving anything back to the people who created them.
It's time to shift the narrative around cultural art objects. These objects are not demonic or satanic. They are symbols of rich cultural heritage, and they deserve to be celebrated and embraced. We need to recognize the importance of cultural art objects in our lives and learn to appreciate them for what they are.
As young Africans, we need to take pride in our cultural heritage and embrace our cultural art objects. If you're from a particular culture, make an effort to understand the significance of the art objects that are specific to your community. Learn about their history, their creation process, and what they represent. You can also visit museums and art galleries that display your cultural art objects. By doing so, you will be able to appreciate your culture's art in a new light.
If you're not from a particular culture, take the time to learn about the art objects that are specific to that culture. Ask questions, read books, and watch documentaries. You'll be surprised at how much you can learn and how your appreciation for cultural art will grow.
Finally, we need to hold those who have looted cultural artifacts accountable. Museums and art galleries must return these objects to their rightful owners and take steps to ensure that cultural objects are not taken from their place of origin in the future.
In conclusion, cultural art objects are not demonic or satanic. They are symbols of rich cultural heritage that deserve to be celebrated and embraced. By learning about and appreciating cultural art objects, we can gain a deeper understanding of our own culture and the cultures of others. Let's embrace our cultural art objects and celebrate the diversity they bring to our lives. And if you are interested in buying any of these cultural art objects, feel free to reach out to me at newafricangh@gmail.com.
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