Using your understanding of anthropological ethics, how would you treat the following situation? Dr. Jones, Curator for the Museum of Western Stuff, has been asked to review a collection of pottery being considered for acquisition. The potential donor, who understands that his entire collection will not be exhibited at any one time, has made it a condition that the entire collection be accepted and retained in the Museum collections as a unit. Dr. Jones has examined the collection and has made two significant observations: (1) the collection is of tremendous research importance and would complement and benefit the Museum’s existing collections, and (2) there are certain pieces in the collection that are identical to pottery that has been repatriated to American Indian groups in the state under conditions of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act. Should Dr. Jones accept the collections under the conditions of the donor, knowing that portions of the collection “might” be subjected to repatriation? Your reflection should include your thoughts and feelings as well as the specific ethical standards that support your beliefs. If there is information that gives you pause or makes you reconsider, include that too as well as why you chose your position regardless of that information.
