The Sacred Lives of (Virtual) Artefacts

[Scientific article to be published soon]

In an age of advancing technologies, digital artefacts have become pivotal in rethinking the relationships between museums and the indigenous communities whose cultural heritage they often hold. Using tools like photogrammetry and LiDAR scanning, three-dimensional models of objects from museum collections can be created and shared, offering new opportunities for engagement. These digital representations are not merely technological conveniences; they also carry profound cultural and ethical implications that challenge traditional understandings of artefacts and heritage.

Digital artefacts offer distinct advantages in repatriation processes. Their sharability and replicability make them powerful tools for fostering early-stage dialogue between museums and source communities. Where physical artefacts may be difficult to access due to geographical, financial, or political constraints, digital models allow communities to re-engage with their heritage remotely. For indigenous communities, these artefacts can serve as a starting point for rediscovering forgotten knowledge, reassessing the cultural significance of objects, and making informed decisions about repatriation claims.

However, digital artefacts are more than functional proxies for physical objects. In many cultural contexts, they may hold spiritual or symbolic significance comparable to their physical counterparts. This perspective challenges the notion that digital reproductions are categorically distinct or inherently less significant. For some communities, these artefacts are understood to maintain a connection to the spiritual essence of the original, requiring the same levels of respect and care in their handling and access.

This raises critical ethical questions about who can access these digital artefacts, under what conditions, and with what understanding of their significance. The ease with which digital artefacts can be shared does not negate the need for protocols that align with the cultural values and cosmologies of the source communities. In certain cases, access to sacred digital artefacts may require prior preparation, consultation with community leaders, or adherence to ritual practices.

Digital artefacts also offer unique opportunities for museums and researchers. They enable a re-evaluation of artefacts' historical and cultural contexts, particularly when data about their origins has been lost or is incomplete. They can foster dialogue that promotes mutual understanding, enriching the knowledge of both museums and the communities they engage with. At the same time, the ethical concerns surrounding their use emphasize the need for museums to approach this work with sensitivity and humility.

While digital artefacts hold promise, they cannot and should not replace the physical return of sacred objects. Instead, they should be integrated into hybrid repatriation models that combine digital and physical approaches. This allows for a more flexible and inclusive process that respects the cosmological frameworks of indigenous communities while addressing the practical challenges of repatriation.

As museums increasingly adopt digital technologies, the significance and role of digital artefacts must be examined on a case-by-case basis. The ongoing dialogue between museums and source communities is essential for ensuring that these technologies are used responsibly. In this evolving landscape, the challenge is not only to create accurate digital representations but also to understand the cultural and spiritual relationships they embody. Digital artefacts have the potential to redefine how we engage with heritage, but only if they are treated with the care and respect they demand.