The Functioning of Indigenous Cultural Protocols in Australia's Contemporary Art World. Issue 3 (18th October 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Riphagen, Marianne; Stolte, Gretchen M.
• Is Part Of: International journal of cultural property. Volume 23:Issue 3(2016)
• Page Start: 295
• Page End: 320
• Publication Date: 2016-10-18
• Subjects: Cultural property -- Protection -- Periodicals; Cultural property -- Protection -- Law and legislation -- Periodicals; Cultural property -- Protection (International law) -- Periodicals; Cultural policy -- Periodicals; 341.7677
• DOI: 10.1017/S0940739116000163
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0940-7391

Abstract

Abstract: In recent decades, cultural protocols have emerged as a non-judicial alternative to the inadequate legal protection of Indigenous cultural heritage. They are meant to protect Indigenous peoples from the misappropriation of their heritage by outsiders and enhance Indigenous peoples' control over their own domain. This article examines the functioning of Indigenous cultural protocols within Australia's contemporary art world. As we will demonstrate, cultural protocols have clear practical utility. They can raise awareness, instigate changes in behaviour, and operate as a conduit for correcting the unauthorized use of Indigenous cultural materials. Yet, a disjunction exists between codified ideals and a messy reality. Our analysis of two protocol transgressions shows that protocols do not automatically protect Indigenous individuals equally. Furthermore, although discussions about compliance are infused with rhetoric about the authority of "the Indigenous community, " Indigenous people with cultural connections to contested heritage objects do not always have a clear voice in decisions made about their use.