British Museum Alters Ancient Middle East Galleries, Replacing 'Palestine' with 'Canaan'
Since mid-February, the ancient Middle East galleries at the British Museum in London have seen a shift in terminology, with 'Canaan,' a term from the Bible, replacing 'Palestine.' This change came after UK Lawyers for Israel (UKLFI) raised concerns that the term 'Palestine' overlooks the historical presence of kingdoms such as Israel and Judea. Initially, the museum denied any modifications, but later admitted to them, asserting that they operate independently of UKLFI. A museum spokesperson noted that 'Palestine' is no longer viewed as a neutral term and aligns with UN definitions of modern borders. On February 16, the Palestine Forum in Britain called for the name's restoration, backed by over 22,000 petitioners. The displays span from 1700 BC to 1500 BC and include both 'Canaan' and 'Palestine.' Additional changes are anticipated.
Key facts
- The British Museum removed 'Palestine' from ancient Middle East gallery displays in mid-February.
- The term was largely replaced with 'Canaan,' the Biblical Hebrew name for the Southern Levant.
- UK Lawyers for Israel (UKLFI) complained, arguing the change addressed anachronistic use erasing historical kingdoms.
- The museum denied removals initially but later acknowledged adjustments, claiming independence from UKLFI's influence.
- A spokesperson stated 'Palestine' no longer holds a neutral designation in historical geographical contexts.
- The Palestine Forum in Britain demanded reinstatement via an open letter on February 16, supported by over 22,000 petition signers.
- Displays covered 1700 BC to 1500 BC, previously referring to populations as of 'Palestinian descent.'
- Historical records show varied names: 'Canaan' from 1500 BC, Kingdom of Israel from 1200 BC, and 'Palestine' first recorded by Herodotus in the fifth century BC.
Entities
Artists
- Nicholas Cullinan
- Herodotus
- Aisha Traub Chan
Institutions
- British Museum
- UK Lawyers for Israel (UKLFI)
- The Telegraph
- Hyperallergic
- Palestine Forum in Britain
- King's College London
- Chelsea and Westminster Hospital
- ArtAsiaPacific
Locations
- London
- United Kingdom
- Gaza
- West Bank
- Israel
- Jordan