The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) introduced a new Virtual Museum of Stolen Cultural Objects on September 29 during its MONDIACULT conference. This digital platform is designed to reconnect communities with their stolen cultural heritage and address the illicit trafficking of historical artifacts, particularly those displaced during periods of colonialism.
Currently, the virtual museum displays approximately 240 missing objects from 46 countries, a collection expected to evolve over time. Users can access the museum’s interactive tools and digitized objects through personal devices or dedicated screens available at the MONDIACULT conference.
Notable exhibits include ninth-century sandstone sculptures from the Mahadev Temple in Pali, Chhattisgarh, India. The initiative highlights the potential for virtual repatriation to alleviate the complex logistical challenges involved in the physical return of cultural items.
Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-culture/why-unescos-new-virtual-museum-of-stolen-cultural-objects-matters-10301398/