Published online by Cambridge University Press: 01 October 2015
Cultural property claims are numerous and of very different nature. Some relate to recent trafficking of cultural property;1 some are based on ancient legal grounds which are contested today;2 others relate to past wars and colonial times;3 others, still, relate to mass spoliations in times of conflict.4 In general, though, the original owner seeks to recover what was taken from him, or at least to obtain some form of compensation.5 The present owner or possessor is as a matter of principle interested in keeping his possession.6 These conflicting positions are often seen as irreconcilable and, indeed, litigation in a traditional manner will bring to the typical “either/or” solution: either I am the owner, or you are. There is no in-between solution.