Colonialism and Fascism are deeply intertwined with the retention of stolen cultural artifacts.

Historically, looting served as an imperial tool of dominance, stripping subjugated societies of their history.

Today, refusing to return this cultural heritage reflects an ongoing refusal to dismantle that colonial legacy and relinquish historical power.

The structural relationship between these elements manifests itself in the following ways:

(i) ‘Colonialism and the Expropriation of Culture’ – European empires (such as the British and French) systematically looted artifacts (e.g., the Benin Bronzes or the Parthenon Marbles) as physical displays of imperial dominance.

Retaining these items in institutions serves as a ‘power display,’ perpetuating the colonial narrative that subjugated peoples are incapable of preserving their own heritage.

(ii) ‘Fascism and Cultural Erasure’ – Fascist regimes (like Nazi Germany) heavily utilized cultural looting and deliberate destruction.

For fascists, eradicating or claiming ownership over a group’s cultural identity is a direct weapon of warfare and subjugation.

The Center for Art Law highlights the interconnected history of wartime plunder and forced relocation of heritage.

(iii) ‘The “Universal Museum” Defence’ – Former colonial powers often refuse to repatriate items by hiding behind the concept of the ‘Universal Museum’.

Critics and scholars point out that this framework justifies historical theft under the guise of global accessibility, while implicitly preserving Eurocentric dominance over world history.

(iv) ‘Restorative Justice v. Volitional Amnesia’ – The refusal to return these artifacts demonstrates ‘volitional amnesia’, i.e. a reluctance to address the violence and exploitation embedded in historical empires.

Scholars view repatriation and cultural restitution not just as legal formalities, but as core steps in the decolonization process, rectifying historical wrongs, and restoring cultural equity.