Musée Guimet, a French museum, replaced the names of several Tibetan artifacts with Chinese-sparking Tibetan culture erasure concerns.
As reported by ART News, the museum's decision resulted into Tibetan activists storming the place to protest. They argued that this move aligns with the "problematic ways" of Chinese politics that has been moving to erase the identity of Tibetan culture in public spaces. As of today, over 800 demonstrators are protesting the French museum's decision.
BEIJING, CHINA - MARCH 11: Delegates from Tibet in traditional dress hold copies of the final report as they leave the closing session of the NPC, or National Peoples Congress at the Great Hall of the People on March 11, 2024 in Beijing, China.China's annual political gathering, known as the Two Sessions, covenes leaders and lawmakers to set the government's agenda for domestic economic and social development for the year. (Photo : Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)French Museum Replaces Tibetan Artifacts' Name with Chinese
Earlier this September, France-based newspaper called Le Monde reported that two French museums Musée Guimet and Musée du quai Branly made the controversial changes. To be specific, the origin of the catalog of Tibetan artifacts were replaced into 'Xizang Autonomous Region,' a Chinese term. Musée Guimet also named the Tibetan art galleries as 'Himalayan world.'
Central Tibetan Administration's president, Sikyong Penpa Tsering, criticized the move and brought the issue to high-profile officials of the country, directors of minister of culture and museums. Tsering stated that the French museums are bowing to the wishes of the People's Republic of China, which currently doesn't "respect and acknowledge Tibet's independence."
Activists, including those who protested in the museums, highlighted that Tibetan roots are different from Chinese regions and has since been calling the return of the word 'Tibet' to affected artifacts and exhibition spaces.
In the same ART News report, advocacy groups for Tibetan culture responded by penning letters to the two museums. In their letters, they are hoping to formally meet to explain the reasons and implications behind the replacement of terms.
Musée du quai Branly agreed to meet, but not Musée Guimet.