Towards an Ethical Framework of Metadata for Repatriation

ABSTRACT This paper explores the role of metadata in the repatriation of cultural artifacts, emphasizing the ethical and practical challenges posed by current documentation practices in museums and cultural heritage institutions. While metadata serves as a critical tool for managing collections, its limitations, particularly in documenting acquisition and provenance, create significant gaps that hinder efforts for meaningful repatriation. Drawing on examples from the Spurlock Museum and the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the paper highlights how the absence of dedicated fields for acquisition information can obscure the complexities of ownership, power dynamics, and colonial histories. The paper also examines the rise of digital repatriation, discussing its potential to complement physical returns but also its limitations in addressing broader cultural and ethical issues. The paper argues for the development of an ethical framework for repatriation grounded in four principles: incorporating provenance into published metadata, transparency and accountability, collaboration and inclusivity, and ethical stewardship and long‐term commitment. By expanding the concept of provenance beyond ownership, cultural heritage institutions can contribute to restorative justice and reconciliation, ensuring that repatriation efforts are not only legally sound but also ethically grounded in respect for cultural sovereignty.