NOSTOS STRATEGIES
A specialised consultancy on the return of cultural heritage
NOSTOS IS THE WORLD’S FIRST STRATEGIC CONSULTANCY ON THE RETURN HOME OF CULTURAL HERITAGE
NOSTOS offers strategic advice and support to governments, organisations, communities, and private individuals to facilitate the return of cultural heritage.
We currently advise on significant campaigns, including the Parthenon Project on the return of the Parthenon Sculptures to Greece, and Edenbridge Asia on the retrieval of stolen Cambodian antiquities.
NOSTOS will also help museums, private collectors, auction houses and galleries to develop repatriation plans, providing advice on return and collaboration related to foreign artefacts.
NOSTOS draws on expertise and experience in international law, diplomacy, art history and archaeology to help develop your vision and offer strategies suited to your objectives.
We invite you to explore our range of services:
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NOSTOS facilitates all stages of the client’s repatriation efforts. It helps clients build their vision and develop a strategy to effect the return of artefacts to their home country. Together with the client, NOSTOS explores different channels and arrangements for repatriation. This can include the preparation of initial reports on prospects, options, and avenues to explore, followed by in-depth strategic proposals.
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As a strategy for return begins to take shape, NOSTOS can assist clients with implementation and operation. This can include the preparation of formal request letters, strategic engagement with stakeholders, and considering negotiation terms.
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Through NOSTOS’ network of experts, clients benefit from individualised expert assistance on discrete matters related to strategic efforts on repatriation. This can include reports on the applicable legal and procedural framework, support in designing and formulating potential arrangements, as well as expert research findings on specific issues.
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As part of its commitment to providing comprehensive solutions, NOSTOS can integrate seamlessly within a client’s team to deliver its services. NOSTOS can work alongside the client’s existing team members, extending additional support, expertise, and resources.
Working collaboratively with the client, NOSTOS can gain a deeper understanding of the client’s operations, culture, and unique challenges. This allows for the development of solutions that are unique to the client’s needs and objectives. The integration of NOSTOS with the client’s organisation also means that the client can benefit from a wider range of skills and knowledge, leading to better outcomes and improved results, all with an empathetic and passionate mindset.
In their efforts on the return of their cultural heritage, clients will have the backing and support of a specialised consultancy on cultural heritage repatriation. NOSTOS works closely with its clients, at every phase of their journey, to strategise towards the return home of their treasures.
Shiva and Skanda sculpture, National Museum of Cambodia in Phnom Penh. Recently returned to Cambodia by the daughter of infamous dealer Douglas Latchford (Credit: Matthew Hollow)
Nefertiti's bust, Egypt. Currently on display at the Neues Museum in Berlin, Germany
Khachkar, Armenia. Heritage lost or damaged in the 21st century
Hoa Hakananai’a statue, Easter Island. Currently on display at the British Museum in London, UK
Tiger Ying, 3,000-year-old bronze water vessel, Yuanmingyuan, China. Purchased from Canterbury Auction Galleries by an anonymous Chinese individual and donated to China in 2018
Cultural heritage is our “fragile wealth”.
The debate on the return of cultural heritage has undergone significant shifts in the last few years. The growing recognition of the impact of colonialism, occupation and other forms of exploitation has led to calls for the return and repatriation of cultural artefacts obtained under those conditions.
In the early 19th century, the crown jewel of Ancient Greek civilisation was taken from its rightful home atop the Acropolis. It is something that has pained Greeks for generations.
In the 1970s and 1980s, amidst the chaos of civil war, Cambodia was plundered by Western looters, seeking to profit off a rich Khmer history that did not belong to them.
Throughout centuries of European imperialism, African treasures from various countries were removed from their home, with most of sub-Saharan Africa’s cultural heritage currently held outside the continent.
But in the 21st century, the tide is turning. There is increased attention on the moral and ethical considerations involved in the acquisition and display of stolen or illegally obtained artefacts.
The return of the Parthenon Sculptures to Athens is within reach. Khmer sculptures are being sent back to Cambodian museums. President Macron of France has committed to the repatriation of African artefacts. Efforts to repatriate cultural heritage have gained momentum, and many states and museums have answered those calls.
If you’re a state, organisation, community, private individual, museum, auction house, or private collector hoping to effect a return of cultural heritage, get in touch and see what we can do to help.
the possibilities for return might be greater than you think.
Wondering how we can help?
Write us a message.
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