KUCHING: Sarawak may formally request the return of artefacts displayed overseas if they are deemed to be of very significant importance to the state.
Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, said not all artefacts currently housed in foreign museums need to be repatriated, noting that many similar items are already preserved and displayed in Sarawak’s own museums.
“Sometimes, when we look at today’s world, it has become borderless. In a way, it is good that these artefacts are spread across the world, because when visitors go to museums such as the British Museum or other museums globally, they will gain some understanding of Sarawak and Borneo.
“There is no urgent need for all these artefacts to be brought back, unless it is absolutely necessary. From what I observe, the artefacts displayed in museums around the world, especially in the British Museum, are mostly small items that have been thoroughly researched in terms of their origins and provenance.
“If an artefact is of very significant importance to Sarawak, we may request for it to be returned. However, many of these items also exist in Sarawak, and can be viewed in our own museums,” he said.
He said this after officiating the ‘Special Talk: Interpreting Borneo in Britain and Sarawak’ event held at the Borneo Cultures Museum here today (Jan 24).
The talk was delivered by Borneo Research Fellow and Henry Ginsburg Curator for Island Southeast Asia, British Museum, Dr Jennifer Morris, who has conducted extensive research on Charles Hose and the collections associated with him.
Charles Hose was an officer for the British Brooke government in Sarawak in the late 18th and early 19th centuries who played a major role in collecting ethnographic materials from the state.
Many of these collections are now scattered across the world, particularly in the British Museum, which houses thousands of related artefacts.
Abdul Karim also said Sarawak must intensify efforts to cultivate local interest and expertise in heritage-related research.
“I understand that in the past, there was not much emphasis placed on encouraging young people to pursue studies in this field.
“However, with messages like these being shared, and with scientists and researchers from abroad showing us the importance of valuing, studying and understanding our own heritage, I believe more educated individuals will emerge – those who are interested and willing to carry out research related to civilisation and heritage connected to our land,” he said.
