Shared Stewardship: Cultural Heritage, Provenance, and Repatriation in Mainland Southeast Asia

Discussions of cultural heritage and repatriation often center on what has been lost―artifacts, archeological contexts, or museum collections. This Special Edition instead explores evolving perspectives on the cultural heritage of mainland Southeast Asia through contributions by scholars, museum professionals, and conservation scientists. Its introduction surveys key international conventions and recent developments shaping heritage policy, museum practice, and academic debate. Together, these contributions emphasize collaboration, provenance research, and shared stewardship while addressing the complexities of returning ancient objects to modern nation-states with intertwined histories. The Edition advocates a nuanced and constructive dialogue on heritage protection and care.