Original article: ¿Devolverán el moai? Senado de Francia aprueba ley para devolver bienes culturales robados entre 1815 y 1972 en sus antiguas colonias y otros territorios

Will France Return the Moai? Senate Approves Law to Repatriate Cultural Artifacts Stolen from Former Colonies

The French Senate has unanimously passed a significant law that establishes a framework for the return of cultural artifacts taken from former colonies, other territories, and through illicit means from 1815 to 1972.

According to various international media reports, previously, the return of these items to their countries of origin could only be carried out through specific laws drafted on a case-by-case basis, resulting in a slow and restrictive process.

With this new legislation, it is anticipated that claims from numerous African, Asian, and Latin American countries—including Chile—will be expedited, as they have been demanding the restitution of cultural objects looted during the era of French colonialism for decades.

This legislation will allow the return of items currently held in French public collections, including renowned museums such as the Louvre and Quai Branly. Additionally, the law creates an exception to the principle of inalienability of state heritage, which previously prohibited the permanent sale or removal of artworks from state museums.

Furthermore, it has been stipulated that returns must be endorsed by a scientific committee and authorized through a decree from the French Council of State.

Following the law’s approval, French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu expressed his views, stating that the law «does not aim to rewrite history but enables us to assume responsibility for returning cultural assets that were inappropriately taken.»

«Return the Moai»

Earlier this year, the Louvre Museum featured a post on Instagram showcasing the head of a moai from Rapa Nui, stating that it was acquired in 1934 «with the agreement of the Chilean authorities.»

Following this post, numerous Chileans flooded the comments section with the demand to «return the moai,» accompanied by various playful recipes. To date, over 8,200 comments have been recorded on the museum’s Instagram account.

Now, with the recent law in France for returning cultural artifacts, the burning question remains: will the moai be returned?

We will continue to keep you informed.