In recent years, various appeals have gone to the British government to return such artifacts.

The Getty has returned contested artifacts to Italy in the past.

The Smithsonian would return on request any remains and artifacts that can be linked with "reasonable certainty" to present-day tribes.

From February to May 1946, Pomrenze organized the depot's procedures and began working on returning books and religious artifacts.

Though some progress has been made in recent years in returning artifacts to Cambodia and other nations, experts say the trade in antiquities continues to flourish.

Some tribal representatives criticized Fenton for failing to return artifacts.

It is not the first time the Getty has returned ancient artifacts that were discovered to have been stolen.

Gradually, people began to return artifacts.

Such awareness has prompted a rise in the number of non-Indians who have been returning Indian artifacts to the tribes where they belong, she said.

"The language of the law is very loose," said a curator whose museum has grudgingly returned several artifacts to Indian tribes.