Today came the news that the Lewis Chessmen will be touring Scotland this year. The figurines, thought to have been carved from walrus ivory at the beginning of the last milennium, were found in dunes at Ardroil, 35 miles west of Stornoway in Lewis. Most of them were sold to the British Museum, about a dozen are kept in a museum in Edinburgh. For the first time in 170 years, the Chessmen will be together again. In September, they will be on display at the Western Isles Museum here in Stornoway, where, some argue, they should be kept permanently. Or even at the wee Uig Museum, across the bay from their original finding place.
It was supposed to be a warm day, but far from it. It has been overcast and not very sunny. Last night, the cloud descended to sealevel, temporarily shrouding the lighthouse from view. It stands just a mile away from my position.
If every piece of valuable antiquity were to be returned to the places they were found then the British Museum would become a valuable piece of real estate.
ReplyDeleteThe Bean Counters have probably already been counting on such an eventuality.
That one day the British Museum can relinquish its’ role as protector of history is much to be desired.
That day will only come when money cannot buy the best the past has to teach us.
We have a long journey before us before we reach that point and in the meantime we should take note of every signpost…
Check,
Mate.
If every piece of valuable antiquity were to be returned to the places they were found then the British Museum would become a valuable piece of real estate.
ReplyDeleteThe Bean Counters have probably already been counting on such an eventuality.
That one day the British Museum can relinquish its’ role as protector of history is much to be desired.
That day will only come when money cannot buy the best the past has to teach us.
We have a long journey before us before we reach that point and in the meantime we should take note of every signpost…
Check,
Mate.