The British Museum, renowned for its extensive collection of Chinese antiquities, has been at the center of debates regarding the repatriation of artifacts. Historically, many assumed that these treasures were obtained through imperialist plunder. However, recent findings by US historian Justin Jacobs present a different narrative, suggesting that a significant number of the artifacts in question were willingly given to the British Museum by Chinese officials. A New Perspective on Historical Acquisitions According to a report in The Guardian, Justin Jacobs, a history professor at American University in Washington, has unearthed compelling evidence that contradicts the widely held belief of imperialist theft. His research revealed historical documentation that Chinese officials in the last century actively cooperated with Western archaeologists, including British-Hungarian archaeologist Aurel Stein. Jacobs discovered that Chinese authorities valued the relationships they were fostering with these foreign scholars and the diplomatic advantages these relationships offered. He said: “These things did not have priceless valuations that we project on to them today… I have found new evidence that hasn’t been looked at before that will change our view of objects in the British Museum and other institutions.” Read moreSection: ArtifactsOther ArtifactsNewsHistory & ArchaeologyRead Later