Social, cultural and economic values of cultural goods

Abstract

It may be a bridge, a piece of wood. Or a temple, a windmill, a painting, a piece of furniture, a mask, a jewel, or a bead. Whatever it is, it is a good that is different from other goods. It is different because people treat it differently. They may consider it a symbol of something--a nation, a community, a tradition, a religion, a cultural episode--, and endow it with all kinds of meanings over and beyond its usefulness. They may attribute to it artistic, aesthetic, sacred or other special qualities. They may draw inspiration from it, and may find that it irritates or abhors others. In other words, the good has cultural values. That is why we call it a cultural good. Skim your local newspaper and you will have to notice the intense attention to anything cultural. I do not only refer to the coverage of cultural events, like performances and exhibitions but also to disputes and conflicts over cultural goods. Even if people hardly know anything about the plight of refugees in Afghanistan, they will probably know about the demolition by the Taliban of two giant Buddha’s in June of 2001. For weeks western newspapers held their readers in suspense with stories about the intentions of the Taliban; so when the news came out that the Buddha’s had been blown up, it appeared to be a disaster for humanity. The destruction of the ancient Mostar bridge in 1993, during the war in Bosnia, seemed to be more upsetting than the human lives lost that day. The travel pages lure their readers to cultural artefacts all over the world, whether it is the Great Wall in China or a burial place on Bali. On again other pages you can read about programs to save national cultural heritage or about conflicts over the possession of cultural heritage. Governments seem to be more eager then ever before to reclaim cultural goods that were lost during wars long over. The Greeks want the so-called Elgin Marbles back from the British Museum. This sculptured front was once part of the Parthenon, but it has been in British possession ever since the middle of the nineteenth century. The British authorities maintain that Mr.

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