Sunday, October 18, 2009

Beauty, Orientalism, Ownership

As the Neues Museum reopens in Berlin since its closure after World War II, a controversy has risen over the proper ownership of the priceless, 3,300 year old bust of Queen Nefertiti. Zahi Hawass claims the bust was taken in dishonestly in 1913. Germany claims the possession was legal and that the conditions in Germany make the relic better off there. Like last spring's Greece vs. England Elgin Marbles debate, the voiceless, stunning female beauty at the heart of the controversy and power mongering haunts. See the New York Times' article: "Egypt Demands Return of Nefertiti Statue."

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