The question "Who owns the past"" was barely even uttered before the 20th century when the dominant countries of the era where able to claim now priceless artefacts as they roamed through countries as they pleased. During this time the smaller countries where powerless to stop the super-countries from destroying and looting their culture and heritage through acts of war and expansion of their empires. The ability of these smaller countries to now demand the return of their heritage has sparked debate as to `Who owns the past"." Should these artefacts be returned to their country of origin or is it a case of finder keepers? Should these pieces only be viewed in their country of origin and what would this lead to? Can these questions be answered and if so who can adjudicate on such matters"

This question was never an issue during the time of British...