Tibetans and human rights groups are urging the #BritishMuseum to stop using the term “Xizang” to label Tibetan artefacts in its #SilkRoads exhibition, which is currently running until February 2025. The term, which is China’s #Sinicized version of “Tibet”, is seen as an attempt to undermine Tibet’s historical and cultural identity by reinforcing Beijing’s political narrative.
The #ChineseGovernment decided last year to replace the term “Tibet” with “Xizang” in official documents and has pressured other countries and institutions to adopt the same terminology. #Nepal recently faced similar pressure during Prime Minister KPS Oli’s visit, leading to concerns that Beijing is attempting to erase Tibet’s unique heritage from the global consciousness.
Tibetan advocates, led by the #GlobalAllianceforTibet and Persecuted Minorities, have demanded that the British Museum remove “Xizang” and instead use the name “Tibet” for the artefacts, as they claim the label is politically charged and offensive. The museum’s #SilkRoads exhibition, which explores the ancient trade route from 500 to 1000 AD, includes over 300 objects from its own collection as well as loans from 29 institutions worldwide.
One object in question is a 7th-century silver vase gifted by the Tibetan Empire under King #SongtsenGampo to Tang China, which is labelled with both “Tibet or Xizang Autonomous Region, China” in the exhibit. #TseringPassang, chairman of the #GlobalAllianceForTibet, stated that the use of “Xizang” is not only inaccurate but deeply offensive to Tibetans, equating it to the Chinese Communist Party’s efforts to erase Tibet’s history and suppress its culture.
The British Museum has defended its use of “Xizang,” claiming it reflects the contemporary region. However, Tibetans have rejected this justification, stating that it legitimizes the Chinese state narrative and dismisses the political implications of such terminology.
In response, Tibetan groups sent letters to the British Museum, first on Nov 25 and then again on Dec 18, expressing their concerns. #PhuntsokNorbu, chairman of the Tibetan Community in Britain, emphasized that the issue goes beyond the labeling of objects; it is about the museum’s role in shaping global perceptions of a culture under #suppression.
Earlier this year, the #MuséeDuQuaiBranly-JacquesChirac in France also faced protests over using China’s Sinicized term for Tibet. Following public outcry, the museum agreed in October to reverse the change. However, #MuséeGuimet in Paris has refused to remove the term, and Tibetans have vowed to continue protesting until all museums cease to #kowtow to China on the issue of Tibet.
#Tibet #TibetanHeritage #BritishMuseum #Xizang #CulturalIdentity #PoliticalPressure #China #HumanRights #CulturalSuppression #TibetProtests #TibetanCulture #MuseumExhibits #CulturalErasure #SilkRoadExhibition #TibetAdvocacy
