Tibetans Protest Musee Guimet’s Renaming of ‘Nepal-Tibet’ to ‘Himalayan World’
In Paris, France, Tibetans are actively protesting against the Musee Guimet’s decision to rename parts of its exhibition from “Nepal-Tibet” to “Himalayan World.” This decision has sparked controversy, with many arguing that it undermines the distinct cultural identities of Tibet and Nepal. Despite campaigns for correction, the museum has maintained its stance, reportedly due to pressure from Chinese authorities.
Voice of Tibet highlighted the issue on social media, stating that Tibetans and supporters protested at the museum over what they call a “historical distortion.” The controversy has drawn significant attention, especially since another museum, Quai Branly, previously apologized for a similar renaming incident and committed to restoring the name “Tibet” on its displays.
The Musee Guimet, officially known as the Musee national des Arts asiatiques Guimet, is a renowned museum in Paris specializing in Asian art and culture. It houses a vast collection from various Asian countries, including India, China, Japan, Korea, and Southeast Asia. Founded by Emile Guimet in the late 19th century, the museum is known for its diverse range of artifacts and artworks.
Doubts Revealed
Tibetans -: Tibetans are people from Tibet, a region in Asia known for its unique culture and history. They have their own language and traditions.
Musee Guimet -: Musee Guimet is a famous museum in Paris, France, that has a large collection of Asian art. It showcases art and artifacts from different Asian cultures.
Renaming -: Renaming means changing the name of something. In this case, the museum changed the name of an exhibition section from ‘Nepal-Tibet’ to ‘Himalayan World’.
Himalayan World -: Himalayan World refers to the region around the Himalayas, which includes several countries like Nepal, Bhutan, and parts of India and Tibet. It’s known for its high mountains, including Mount Everest.
Cultural identities -: Cultural identities are the unique characteristics and traditions that define a group of people, like their language, customs, and history. Tibetans and Nepalis have distinct cultural identities.
Chinese pressure -: Chinese pressure refers to influence or persuasion from China. In this context, it suggests that China might be influencing the museum’s decision to rename the exhibition.
Quai Branly -: Quai Branly is another museum in Paris that focuses on indigenous art and cultures from Africa, Asia, Oceania, and the Americas. It apologized for a similar naming issue.