CuriousByNature

Just wait till they find the VHS tapes!

1. I would venture to guess that the majority of artefacts were created without the notion that they would be on display for the world to see. Many, like totem poles, fetish statues, etc were for the use of the community itself, or even for a specific figure. Others, such as the Elgin Marbles, were likely created to impress visitors to Athens, not visitors to the British Museum. 2. By 'creators' I mean the culture they were created by, not the actual manufacturer. If the carver of the Elgin Marbles is still alive he might be living in Florida or Palm Springs now. 3. The originals would probably have a deeper meaning to those from whom they were taken, compared to those who walk by in a museum. Some artifacts are imbued with a spiritual significance by the maker, such as certain tribal regalia, that a facsimile would not carry. Therefore, let the creating culture benefit from the original. And if the original is ultimately damaged or lost, that's sometimes unavoidable. It happens in museums too, unfortunately. Throughout history artefacts were created and eventually degraded through use by those groups who created them. There's nothing wrong with that. 4. The vast majority of people from villages where artefacts were created will never be able to travel to see their treasures on display in the British Museum, or other museums around the world. Museums provide access to those who are well-off enough to live in a major city, or have the funds to travel to such places. And it's probably painful for people to see their cultural treasures on display and not being used for the purpose they were originally intended - in Canada this is why numerous artefacts are being returned to First Nations, so that they can be kept within the community and for the community's benefit. 5. It isn't that difficult to determine which objects are ceremonial and which are for trade/sale. Most cultural groups are concerned with specific artefacts that hold a particular value to their history and practices, or were clearly meant to remain in situ until they naturally degraded - such as totem poles and the Elgin Marbles. I don't think my intentions are particularly noble - I love going to museums and seeing the artefacts I would never get to see otherwise. But that said, I understand why cultures wish to reclaim their artefacts. Non-indigenous Americans and Canadians have not really faced having our cultural property taken away and kept from us. It would be like Saudi Arabia removing the 911 memorial and placing it on display in Riyadh, where the majority of Americans will never be able to visit. And if they do, it would never have the same meaning as it does on American soil.

True enough, and I have enjoyed seeing artefacts gathered in one place like the British Museum, but ultimately these were not created for the world to view. They were often made for a specific people, at a specific time and place, and for a specific (often sacred or ceremonial) purpose. I used to think these treasures were better off in museums where they could be preserved, but now I think they're best placed with their creators. Even if that means they cannot be preserved to the same level of perfection as in a museum setting. Exact copies could be made and kept at museums, and then the originals could be returned so that the local population might preserve a bit more connection to their history and culture. I doubt this will likely happen on a wide scale, but it would be nice if the local population had greater access to artefacts their ancestors created. To be clear, I would advocate for the return of objects that were taken and had a ceremonial or sacred purpose, not artefacts that were created to be sold or traded.

I certainly hope not! LOL

Maybe set up camp near a waterfall?

Just over 50 years ago. C-section.

I had no idea Beulah Bondi did porn.

For me, its important to not let other's communication styles affect how I would prefer to communicate. At times I have allowed myself to get dragged into pointless back-and-forths, where no matter how objective I think I am being, the other person continues to provoke, and provoke, and provoke. It wasn't until this forum that I learned about new terms like, 'baiting', 'trolls', and 'don't feed the trolls'. My advice, for what it's worth, is to be be respectfully open to other opinions, but know the ground you stand on, and never feel like you need to get in the last word. And enjoy the many, many posts that are informative, interesting, amusing and eye-opening. As hard as it can be to do, I think it helps to always lead with kindness.

I've been there when thunder and rain is in the forecast everyday. But I found that there might only be an hour or two of stormy weather in the late afternoon, leaving most of the day quite nice. Hopefully it will be like that for you too.

He's my favourite singer.

If your lucky... lol

This is why I'd love to live in Europe. You can be living in Paris, jump in the car and within 24 hours be in Greece. Do that in Ontario and you're likely still in the same province after 24 hours of driving.

Which museum had the jewels in your photos? I haven't been to the Soane yet - do you recommend it? The great thing about most of the museums being by donation is that you can visit multiple times over several days rather than trying to squeeze each museum in all in at once. I realized that on my second trip to London and it made for a better experience overall.

I really like the desert. Especially on an unnamed horse. It's good to get out of the rain, and I never seem to forget my name, 'cause there ain't no one for to give me no pain.

I've visited both places on occasion, and I find I get tired of Vegas before I get tired of PS. While Vegas is more of a city that never sleeps, I like to have more of a community feel, without the superficial glitz and glamour. And there seems to be a lot of sadness just beneath the surface of Vegas - scratch off the flashy veneer and it is seems pretty ugly to me. The other advantage of PS is that it's within driving distance of LA if anyone needs reasonable proximity to a big city, and the beaches are that much closer too.

Since there's a thread about muscle masseurs who might bottom, here's one to mirror that. Muscle masseurs who might top? No particular city, no particular age - just fit and muscled. DMs are fine if that's preferred. Or if there isn't a particular interest amongst forum members for this topic...

It's always disappointing when there aren't any face pics in a profile. But, the need for discretion is understandable.

You played with his pants? LOL. Just kidding.

Can't argue with that

I'd like to discuss/explore how the recent news is affecting plate tectonics and the plight of the Amazon rain forest.

🤣

It seems like one more way that some businesses are avoiding paying their staff liveable wages. Making it the customer's responsibility to augment the pay to a more liveable rate, while reaping the benefits of increasing menu item pricing and reducing portion sizes.

I saw beautiful, huge areolas last week. Or was that auroras? 🤔

Will the Circle be Unbroken?

Flight of the Bumblebee?