Repatriation and Decolonization of Geology Collections in an Evolving Sector

Authors

• David Gelsthorpe * ¹

• Manchester Museum, Oxford Road, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK

Abstract

The repatriation of geological specimens can be regarded as a barometer of the progress of decolonization. The ongoing proactive repatriation of four dinosaur eggs and a Confuciusornis sanctus specimen from the Manchester Museum to China is discussed. Except for this example, proactive repatriation of geological specimens does not yet happen. This paper is a call to those who look after geological collections to check that collections were legally acquired and to welcome repatriation requests and the opportunities presented by them.

Keywords

• Fossils
• Dinosaurs
• Repatriation
• Decolonization
• Manchester Museum