But what if the Rosetta Stone were unearthed in modern times?This passage starts with introducing Dr. Zahi Hawass who is a secretary general of Egypt's Supreme Court of Antiquities. Dr. Zahi Hawass is demanding the British Government to return back the Rosetta stone which Dr. Zahi thinks, it belongs to Egypt.
Present laws restrict the export of antiquities, but this laws have encouraged illegal markets and discouraged research. Author also talks about the era of Saddam Hussain and his propaganda towards antiquities.
Author then talks about Dr. James Cuno who is a director at Art Institute of Chicago wants the traditional system back in place where foreigner researchers who help in digging will take a few antiquities with them, leaving the remaining in the foreign country. This will be a win-win situation for both to continue their research. Dr. James especially wanted Middle Eastern Sculptures.
He/She(Author) questions about the existence of Egypt as a country, when the Rosetta Stone was excavated.
Author ends the passage with - If the Rosetta stone were to be found today then its importance would not have been known because of the laws prevailing in respective countries.
My opinion: Author of this passage mainly emphasizes on "open-research" something like "open-education", which will help in unearthing the secret of the antiquity. He also mocks at a few culturally protected counties who have little in common culturally with the creators of the artifacts they claim to own. I have titled this post "Rosetta Stone" as most of the passage revolved around the same.
You can read full article from here:
A case in Antiquities for "Finders Keepers"
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