A Gruesome Business: Collecting, Repatriating, and Interpreting World War II Souvenirs

Abstract

This dissertation explores the complex motivations and ethical implications surrounding the collection of war souvenirs, trophies, and loot by American servicemen during World War II. It delves into how wartime propaganda, collection theory, and the psychological impact of combat influenced these practices in both the Pacific and European Theaters. While collecting behaviors varied between theaters, common motivations emerged, including economic gain, the pursuit of rare objects, the desire for proof of wartime experiences, camaraderie, and coping with trauma. Collection theory, as developed by scholars like Jean Baudrillard, Walter Benjamin, and Werner Muensterberger, provides a framework for understanding these behaviors as ways of asserting control, finding meaning, and coping with the chaos of war. The study highlights the stark differences between the theaters of war. In the Pacific, racialized propaganda dehumanized the Japanese enemy, leading to brutal acts of souvenir hunting, including the removal of body parts. In Europe, where the enemy was more culturally similar, the focus shifted to looting cultural and personal property, such as art and valuables, though these actions still carried significant ethical and legal consequences. The paper examines the distinctions between war souvenirs, trophies, and loot, emphasizing that many objects taken were in violation of international law. Furthermore, the dissertation addresses the long-term implications of these practices, particularly in the context of museum ethics and the ongoing debate over the repatriation of looted artifacts. Museums must navigate the delicate task of displaying war souvenirs responsibly, ensuring that these objects are presented with their full historical and ethical context. This study underscores the need for transparency and ethical accountability in how these items are handled and displayed. By analyzing the intersection of personal motivations, cultural influences, and the legal framework surrounding war memorabilia, this research contributes to our understanding of how the trauma and chaos of war shape human behavior and leave lasting cultural and ethical dilemmas.