Dear Adrienne, Have you considered turning this around? "Science" will suffer if museums don't graciously return cultural property which does not ethically belong in public collections. Legal technicalities shouldn't be our only guidance, but rather we can attempt to do the right thing. I was recently involved in negotiations which resulted in the return of important ceremonial objects to a family. The museum couldn't display them as they are private, sacred property. However, these objects are extremely important to the family, representing a strong connection to their past. I sincerely believe that the goodwill generated by willingly returning them will serve us in ways yet to be seen. We wouldn't have empty store rooms with nothing left to study, we'll have richer relationships with so much more to share. I guess my Museum-L lurking days just ended. Ann Stevenson Collections Manager (on Leave) UBC Museum of Anthropology [log in to unmask]