Primitive art in the Western world: Collecting and preserving art, or looting and money making? - General Tiki

8T 8FT Tiki Tiki Socialite Kansas City, MO Joined: Nov 30, 2003 Posts: 1411	8T 8FT Tiki Posted posted on Sat, Feb 6, 2010 2:17 PM Sven, your discussion reminds me of the controversy encountered by Thor Heyerdahl when he removed the artifacts from Easter Island. Many of the pieces had never been seen by a Westerner before and you can imagine his excitement when he was "given" them or "traded" for them. But would it have been better to have established a museum for the pieces on their native island? Anyone following this thread who has not had the chance to read about Heyerdahl's visits to Rapa Nui should definitely get and read his book 'AKU AKU'. Here's a picture of the mayor at the time of Heyerdahl's visit and other islanders who helped him acquire the items he sailed off with.

Sven, your discussion reminds me of the controversy encountered by Thor Heyerdahl when he removed the artifacts from Easter Island. Many of the pieces had never been seen by a Westerner before and you can imagine his excitement when he was "given" them or "traded" for them. But would it have been better to have established a museum for the pieces on their native island? Anyone following this thread who has not had the chance to read about Heyerdahl's visits to Rapa Nui should definitely get and read his book 'AKU AKU'.

Here's a picture of the mayor at the time of Heyerdahl's visit and other islanders who helped him acquire the items he sailed off with.

Post #509397 by 8FT Tiki on Sat, Feb 6, 2010 2:17 PM