Good to know there is another member (apart from Illiad) residing in NZ.
The subject raised by Nathaniel has been discussed here in part in previous posts, and is (or can be) a touchy subject especially where native races are involved. This all began in a large way during the "colonial" era, when mainly european powers were grabbing as much of the world as they could in as short a time as possible, and raped and pillaged antiquities at the same time.
In the case of NZ it is the Maori who are repatriating as much of their tribal heritage as possible, and I agree with this.
However the term "cultural" also relates to the ordinary, and for the most part common items, of ANY particular ethnic race. Hence it also should apply to such things as English and other antique weapons as much as to items of other origins. Are we about to send all these back to their countries of origin? I don't think so!!
IF an item is of particular HISTORICAL or TRIBAL interest then that is a different matter. Most of us collect "mainstream" items, and are probably not lucky enough or rich enough to own really important pieces.
Regards Stuart
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