I agree, collectors have certainly preserved much weaponry. However, shouldn't the native culture be able to view weapons that were often obtained from them under duress? And can't the native cultures preserve their own weaponry? If not for imperialism, I'm not sure there always would have been a need to relocate the weapons for "preservation."
For example, the recent exhibit in Macao on Asian weaponry, whatever people's politics on the issue, at least attempted to present foreign-owned native artifacts to their people of origin, which I find commendable.
Regarding the European and American collectors comment, I apologize for its controversial nature. However, it was not Middle Eastern or Asian empires that dominated the globe for two centuries. I am referring to the imperial holdovers present in collecting, which descend from the imperial eras of Britain, America, France, and a host of other European nations.
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