LEXICON

OWNERSHIP

THEFT

VIOLENCE OF
DISPLACEMENT

RABKUNST

WAR SPOILS

The state of possessing and having control over an object.
It is important to distinguish between ownership that is defined by possession that is legal and ethical and the one that is unrightfully acquired through crime.

Something being taken without permission, under false pretences, by giving misinformation to mislead, or under circumstances where the power dynamic is unbalanced or unequal and can therefore not be taken rightfully

The displacement of objects is both violent towards the original owners of the object and towards the object itself. This can be described in three ways.
The first one being physical damages caused during the transportation of the displacement. Secondly, through misinformation being spread about the origins of the object, its history gets erased, which could be considered an act of violence.
Finally, the displacement or its removal from its original environment causes a change of the meaning of the object. It being taken out of context and the displacement of the object can lead to it becoming a symbol of oppression.

The cultural heritage looted during the Nazi regime. Commonly used english synonym is: Nazi plunder.

Property “legally” acquired by the winners of a war according to the laws of war. Opposed to war looting, the “illegitimate” form of taking war prizes.
Side Note: Raubkunst is commonly described as spoils of war. That questions the legality and legitimacy of war spoils.

LEXICON