Korean skin care has gained immense popularity worldwide, becoming a significant trend in the beauty industry over the past decade.

The essence of Korean skin care lies in its philosophy of prevention and nourishment, which contrasts with the corrective approach often seen in Western skin care.

This philosophy emphasizes maintaining healthy, hydrated, and luminous skin through consistent care rather than addressing issues after they arise.

A hallmark of Korean skin care is the concept of 'glass skin,' which refers to a dewy, luminous, and flawless complexion achieved through hydration, exfoliation, and nutrition.

The 'glass skin' trend has played a critical role in the global rise of Korean skin care, appealing to consumers seeking a radiant and healthy appearance.

Korean skin care routines are known for their adaptability, evolving from the traditional 10-step regimen to simpler three- or four-step routines to meet modern consumer needs.

Double cleansing, which involves using an oil-based cleanser followed by a water-based cleanser, is a popular practice in Korean skin care that ensures thorough yet gentle cleansing.

Korean skin care products are distinguished by their innovative formulations and the use of unique, effective ingredients such as snail mucin, rice extract, and bee propolis.

Traditional 'hanbang' ingredients, derived from Korean herbal medicine, such as ginseng and green tea, are also commonly integrated into products, appealing to consumers interested in natural and medicinal solutions.

The use of fermented ingredients and advanced technologies in Korean skin care further sets it apart from Western products, offering benefits like enhanced absorption and efficacy.

Korean skin care emphasizes hydration and soothing the skin barrier, with ingredients like ceramides, centella asiatica, and niacinamide being staples in many formulations.

PHAs (polyhydroxy acids) are another example of Korean innovation, providing gentle exfoliation with minimal irritation compared to stronger acids commonly used in Western skin care.

In contrast, Western skin care often focuses on corrective treatments using potent active ingredients like retinol and exfoliating acids, which can sometimes cause irritation when overused.

The gentler approach of Korean skin care, combined with its focus on nourishing rather than stripping the skin, has contributed to its global appeal.

The international boom of Korean skin care can be attributed to the global influence of South Korean culture, including its dramas, movies, and music.

Social media platforms like TikTok have played a pivotal role in popularizing Korean beauty products, with hashtags like #kbeauty garnering billions of views.

Brands such as Laneige, Innisfree, Beauty of Joseon, and Cosrx have achieved viral status on social media, further driving the K-beauty craze.

The Korean government has actively supported its beauty industry, investing in the development and global promotion of its cosmetic brands.

Affordable pricing is another key factor in the popularity of Korean skin care, offering high-quality products at relatively low costs.

This affordability appeals particularly to cost-conscious consumers, including the 'skintellectual' demographic focused on product efficacy.

Retailers worldwide have reported significant growth in sales of Korean beauty products, with some experiencing year-over-year sales doubling.

For example, Cosrx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence has become the number one best-selling beauty product on Amazon, reflecting the demand for Korean skin care.

Korean beauty brands are also known for their innovative product formats and textures, which keep consumers excited and engaged.

Trends like the 'dewy look,' featuring glossy, fuller lips, and multi-purpose products that combine makeup with skin care benefits, have further fueled interest in K-beauty.

K-beauty sunscreens, known for their lightweight formulas that avoid leaving a white cast, have become particularly popular, with products like Beauty of Joseon’s Relief Sun sunscreen going viral.

The ethical sourcing of ingredients and commitment to sustainability in Korean skin care align with growing consumer preferences for environmentally friendly products.

Visually appealing packaging and the use of intriguing ingredients like snail mucin and fermented rice water have also contributed to the allure of Korean skin care.

High-profile brand ambassadors and creative marketing strategies, such as TikTok ASMR product videos, have further boosted the visibility and sales of Korean beauty brands.

In conclusion, the popularity of Korean skin care is driven by its unique philosophy, innovative formulations, cultural influence, affordability, and effective marketing strategies.

Korean skin care has gained immense popularity worldwide, becoming a significant trend in the beauty industry over the past decade.

Title:

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The Business of Fashion

Agenda-setting intelligence, analysis and advice for the global fashion community.

How TikTok Brought Back K-Beauty

While the K-beauty craze of the 2010s has waned in recent years, brands and retailers are seeing renewed interest in the category thanks to TikTok.
BoF PROFESSIONAL

Key insights

  • After K-beauty’s international spike in popularity more than a decade ago, it entered a period of decline at the start of the 2020s.
  • TikTok is leading a K-beauty resurgence. Laneige, Innisfree, Beauty of Joseon and Cosrx are among brands going viral on the platform.
  • K-beauty-inspired trends are also taking off. “Korean glass skin” saw 134 percent year-over-year growth on TikTok over a six-month period ending April 30.

When Laneige launched at Sephora US in 2017, its K-beauty identity was front and centre.

The Amorepacific-owned brand was featured in the retailer’s K-beauty endcap, a K-beauty menu bar section and multiple K-beauty campaigns. But half a decade later, hype around the category had faded, according to Julien Bouzitat, US brand general manager for Laneige and sister brand Innisfree.

“The first time, it was very successful,” he said. “The second time, not as great … [Sephora’s] takeaway was that the first wave of K-beauty had gone away.”

The K-beauty craze emerged in the US around 2012 with the rise of BB cream, and spurred countless subsequent beauty trends such as sheet masks, 10-step skin care routines and blemish patches. In the mid- to late 2010s, K-beauty fervour was so high that imported labels like Laneige and Tony Moly quickly faced competition from major US brands launching copycat products as well as from new K-beauty-inspired startups like Glow Recipe, Then I Met You and Peach & Lily.

But as K-beauty went mainstream, brands’ use of the term as a selling point died down — until now. Korean brands have TikTok to thank. The hashtag #kbeauty has 9.5 billion views on TikTok. The term “Korean glass skin,” a K-beauty trend that was popular in 2017, saw 134 percent year-over-year growth on TikTok over a six-month period ending April 30, according to data science company Spate and market research firm Circana. Sales of products that help users achieve the Korean “glass skin” look have risen, too. The viral Cosrx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence is now the number one best-selling beauty product on Amazon after taking off on TikTok. The brand said it has now sold 15 million bottles as of September.

While K-Beauty’s original heyday was driven in part by gimmick marketing and attention-grabbing packaging, its resurgence is due to a new “skintellectual” age group being drawn to product efficacy. Moreover, affordable price points are encouraging cost-conscious and dupe-obsessed shoppers to buy.

“There’s been a second generation which became more [focused on the] brand-building aspect of K-beauty and this Korean skincare expertise,” said Bouzitat.

The Wave Recedes

Since the 1990s, Hallyu — the “Korean wave” — has been growing outside South Korea’s borders, as the South Korean government encouraged international exports globally. The 2010s saw an influx of Korean culture and products, especially entertainment and beauty. US-based Sephora and Ulta Beauty stocked up on Korean beauty brands, while beauty conglomerates acquired them. In 2018, L’Oréal purchased K-beauty brand 3CE parent company Nanda, while the Estée Lauder Companies bought Dr. Jart+ in 2019.

“It took skin care to a whole other level. I don’t think it will ever be the same, thanks to the influence of K-beauty,” said Lindsay Ullman, co-founder of beauty consulting firm The View from 32 and a former merchandising executive at Sephora.

But its popularity kicked off an influx of K-beauty inspired brands stateside. Soko Glam and Peach & Lily both started as e-tailers selling imported K-beauty products before their founders, Charlotte Cho and Alicia Yoon, respectively, expanded with their own skin care brands. Quickly, legacy brands like Lancôme and Clinique began introducing their own versions of BB creams, sheet masks or cleansing oils.

Momentum slowed in the 2020s. Estée Lauder Companies reported in August that Dr. Jart+’s net sales declined during the 2023 fiscal year. In the US, Sephora stopped stocking at least 10 K-beauty brands that it sold in the late 2010s, including Too Cool for School, Neogen, Amorepacific and Son & Park, and no longer highlights its K-beauty section on its homepage. Amorepacific’s profits plunged by 28.5 percent in 2022. Even upstarts like Glow Recipe and Hero Cosmetics, that once traded on being K-beauty-inspired brands, stopped using the term in their marketing and communications.

An Influencer-Led Renaissance

It’s not the multi-step routine tutorials — which were the hallmark of 2010s K-beauty — driving the category’s comeback. Instead, it’s individual viral product crazes sparked by influencers and celebrities.

K-beauty sunscreens with formulas that don’t have a white cast, for example, have been a hit with influencers. Innisfree’s Daily UV Defense sunscreen, which went viral on TikTok, was explicitly cited as one of the top-selling products driving Amorepacific Group’s North America growth this year. Beauty of Joseon’s Relief Sun sunscreen has received 587 million views on TikTok, driven by influencers like Ava Lee, who is working on a collaboration with the brand planned for release in 2024. While the product is not yet approved by the FDA for sale in the US, customers have tried to find workarounds, ordering from cross-border websites or unverified Amazon sellers.

Meanwhile, Laneige is seeing double-digit sales growth in the US, said Bouzitat. The brand has been a hit on TikTok for the past two years thanks in part to its ASMR product videos and high-profile brand ambassador, “Euphoria” actress Sydney Sweeney. The efforts the brand has made on TikTok are part of a broader North America marketing push on the part of Amorepacific Group, which also launched a rebrand campaign for luxury brand Sulwhasoo this year. The company also returned to profitability in the second quarter of 2023, reporting that overseas revenue grew 27 percent, boosted by 105 percent growth in North America.

Unlike prestige predecessors, affordable K-beauty brands have become a draw for TikTok’s dupe-obsessed young shoppers. Beauty influencer Stephanie Valentine, known on TikTok as Glamzilla, prompted a sell out of Innisfree’s Dewy Glow Moisturizer when she offered it as a dupe for Tatcha’s Dewy Skin Cream Plumping & Hydrating Moisturizer. Within 48 hours, the item sold out at Sephora US and Canada as well as on the brand’s website.

“Innovation, no matter what category you’re talking about, clients are going to always be excited about that,” said Ullman. “Korean skin care is such an innovative player, so as long as they keep coming out with new formats, new textures, new ways to talk about skin care, there’s opportunity.”

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The essence of Korean skin care lies in its philosophy of prevention and nourishment, which contrasts with the corrective approach often seen in Western skin care.

Title:

Content: Is Korean Skin Care Really Superior? An Investigation

Photographed by Hayleigh Longman
With its shelfie-worthy packaging and a focus on intriguing ingredients like snail mucin and fermented rice water, Korean skincare has been the subject of Western fascination for years. Brands like CosRx, Innisfree, and Laneige have assumed viral social-media status, while Glow Recipe and Dr. Jart+ are now practically household names, thanks to TikTok.
Besides whipping up curiosity, Korean skin care has established a name for itself as one of the most effective and trustworthy categories in beauty. And ahead of winter, it's seeing a serious revival. In the past few weeks, searches for 'Korean skin-care routine', '10-step Korean skin care', and 'best Korean skin-care products' have made up Google's skin-care trends. While on TikTok, the hashtag #koreanskincare has seen a handful of new videos, each raking in millions of views.
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In October, a tweet and TikTok video posted by skin-care blogger @Mul_OVO went viral for showcasing the benefits of switching to Korean skin care. But is Korean skin care really better? Or have we simply got caught up in the hype?
Cosmetic Chemist and Licensed Aesthetician Esther Olu believes our obsession with K-skincare started with 'glass skin' — skin so dewy, it's almost reflective. Olu says that glass skin was the ideal and promoted "healthy-looking" and "luminous" skin standards. "Everyone wanted to have healthy skin," says Olu, "and Korean [skin care] has played a critical role in this mindset."

The Korean approach to skin care is a lot gentler and there is a distinct difference in ingredients lists compared to Western products, which can be harsh.

You could argue that the main intent of skin care everywhere is to promote healthy, happy skin. But there are some key differences. Many Western skin-care trends (such as skin cycling, peels, and rediscovering skin toners) tend to home in on ingredients such as retinol and exfoliating acids, for example glycolic, lactic, and salicylic acid. These are great when used properly and sensibly under the guidance of an expert but they can be notoriously irritating when overdone, as many of us tend to do.
Ask any dermatologist to pinpoint common skin gripes they regularly spot in clinic and they'll almost always reel off perioral dermatitis (a red rash that circles your mouth), burns, irritation, dryness, and a compromised skin barrier (redness, tightness, breakouts, rashes) — all a result of overdoing it on harsh ingredients.
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Of course, Korean skin care does feature the aforementioned ingredients. They do work, after all. But the Korean approach seems to be a lot gentler and there is a distinct difference in ingredients lists, too, says Olu. PHAs (polyhydroxy acids) are a lot more popular in Korean skin care, for example. Take Dr. Jart+'s recently launched Pore Remedy range, in which PHAs are the star ingredient. Much like glycolic and salicylic acids, PHAs exfoliate the skin effectively, but what sets them apart from other exfoliators is their large molecule size. They exfoliate at surface level without going too deep and aggravating skin as other acids might. Glow Recipe and CosRx are just a few Korean brands championing them and subsequently promoting a kinder approach to the controversial exfoliation trend.
In fact, Korean skin care has been something of a savior for our irritated skin barriers of late. Much of Korean skin care shines a light on reducing inflammation rather than drying out skin. "Promoting hydration as well as soothing ingredients is a primary focus in Korean skin care," confirms Cosmetic Chemist Ramón Pagán. "This is a contrast to the products we tend to see in the west, which can be more astringent or irritating to the skin with higher percentages of active ingredients."
Pagán explains that thanks to skin-care marketing in the early '00s, the Western approach to skin care has been hooked on stripping skin: getting rid of the 'bad' stuff like excess oil and clogged pores. Conversely, Korean skin care is about nourishing the skin. Reddit's skin-care obsessives concur that Western skin care can be disagreeable, particularly for those with dry, sensitive, or acne-prone skin.
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@hkjennylee #greenscreen and not to mention the dupe has bifida as the FIRST ingredient while the original has it as the SECOND… tea 🙈 #koreanskincare #kbeautyblogger #kbeauty #koreanskincareproducts #kbeautyskincare ♬ Monkeys Spinning Monkeys - Kevin MacLeod & Kevin The Monkey
Olu seconds this. "Western skin-care products tend to take a corrective approach," she tells R29. "Specifically, the formulas are dedicated to solving a skin-care concern, whether it is retinol, azelaic acid, or BHAs and AHAs," which are different kinds of exfoliating acids. "[Western skin care] is meant to help with anti-aging and things like redness," explains Olu, "while Korean skin care focuses more on maintenance and skin barrier health."
It's why you'll find excellent ingredients, like ceramides (very moisturizing and hold the skin barrier together), centella asiatica aka cica (a herb that decreases inflammation, redness, puffiness, and swelling) and niacinamide (vitamin B3, which keeps the skin barrier intact and reduces excess oil) in most Korean skin care. The color-correcting cream that recently went viral on TikTok? It includes cica — and of course it's Korean.

A reason why Korean skin care is so popular — and so good — is because the Korean government is said to have actively invested in its beauty brands to better develop cosmetics.

Redditors also point out that Korean skin care includes 'special ingredients' and technologies that Western products don't. Snail mucin (excreted from snails) is a popular moisturizing ingredient among Korean brands, with influencers and experts extolling the virtues of products like CosRx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence Gel. "This is a great barrier-protecting ingredient," Dr. Kemi Fabusiwa told R29 recently, "but it also gives your skin a great shine."
Then there's allantoin, popular in Korean skin care for locking moisture into the skin, as well as rice extract (said to increase hydration, making skin plump), and bee propolis, a natural substance produced by honey bees that has been proven to smooth skin and protect it from environmental factors, such as pollution.
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Beyond the more skin-friendly and interesting approach to ingredients, it has been reported that Korean beauty and skin care is one of the country's biggest businesses and exports. As the world's third largest cosmetics exporter, South Korea's cosmetics exports outperformed home appliances, pharmaceuticals, and smartphones in 2020. Data also suggests that South Korea's skin-care market will reach $11.4 billion in value by 2026. Interestingly, one of the reasons why Korean skin care is so popular — and so good — is because the Korean government is said to have actively invested in its beauty brands in order to better develop cosmetics.
"When K-beauty was introduced to the Western market through popular channels and social media, a phenomenon was awakened, creating demand and opportunity for business," says Nina Vargas, a global business strategist for beauty, fashion, and wellness brands. "This allowed Korean cosmetics companies to obtain help from the Korea International Trade Association (KITA)." KITA is a nonprofit organization that helps small and medium enterprises enter markets abroad.
What's more, Dr. Jenelle Kim, Founder and Formulator of JBK Wellness Labs, says that Korean skin care uses the latest science to understand exactly what our skin needs. "It utilizes ingredients in new ways, while remaining committed to formulating with centuries-proven ingredients and, for some brands [like Erborian, Sulwhasoo, and Beauty of Joseon], the powers of herbal medicine." Ginseng and green tea are super popular, for example.
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Dr. Kim adds that our skin's needs change with the climate or environmental factors, like air quality, makeup trends, and hormones. Korean skin care has consistently switched things up in an effort to help us stay in balance. Pagán agrees that heritage surrounds Korean skin care. "Lots of brands use 'hanbang' ingredients, which are based around traditional Korean medicine," he says. "These are often herbal and naturally derived." Post-pandemic, when we're more interested than ever in keeping healthy, highlighting medicinal skin care makes Korean products appear trustworthy and effective, elevating them above others.
In short, skin care is an inherent part of Korean culture. Head to TikTok and you'll see that Koreans view beauty not as a luxury but as a necessity. Countless videos suggest that from a young age, people are taught to take care of their skin and to look at skin care as a preventative measure. Year-round sun protection is also a big trend among Korean skin-care lovers, with a high factor, broad spectrum sunscreen said to be one of the most important products in a routine.
Another reason Korean skin care is regarded so highly is because the majority of it is affordable. Head to Reddit and you'll spot skin-care lovers swapping reviews of Innisfree, Tonymoly, and Etude House. The promise of soothed, hydrated skin is their main pull, but so are the relatively low prices, with most cleansers, serums, and creams coming in under $25.
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Amid a cost of living crisis, it makes sense that we want to spend as little as possible on beauty products. When it comes to Korean skin care, though, tightening your purse strings doesn't mean compromising on quality. All the proven skin-care ingredients are there, from retinol to acids, just in gentler concentrations and sophisticated formulas. Some TikTokers even point out that Korean skincare often dupes brands and products that charge hundreds for very similar ingredients and results. "It doesn't matter if you spend $1 or $100. If it's K-Beauty, chances are it's great," thinks Vargas.
Over time, the 10-product routine has given way to routines with fewer steps. Excessive layering doesn't work for everyone, particularly if you have a strict budget or your skin is sensitive, reactive, or acne-prone. But Korean skin care is ever evolving and always adapting to consumer needs. Because of this, three- or four-step routines are now trending among Korean influencers. TikTokers are sharing their easy skin-care rituals, which always start with a gentle, hydrating cleanser followed by a serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen. This is a quick and effective routine that dermatologists and skin-care experts often recommend for skin types across the board.
Pagán believes that Korean skin care stays fun and inventive. "It's simple but impactful and you get luxury experiences at affordable prices. You don't see Western brands readily introducing staple Korean concepts, like fermented ingredients or snail secretion." Add to that the serious investment and spotlight on nourishing the skin (rather than getting rid of the 'nasty' stuff) and it's clear to see why Korean skin care is regarded so highly. But is it better? Essentially, the very best skin care is the skin care that works for you. If it happens to be Korean, that's great. But if it's something else entirely, why switch it up?
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This story was originally published on Refinery29UK.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

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This philosophy emphasizes maintaining healthy, hydrated, and luminous skin through consistent care rather than addressing issues after they arise.

A hallmark of Korean skin care is the concept of 'glass skin,' which refers to a dewy, luminous, and flawless complexion achieved through hydration, exfoliation, and nutrition.

Title:

Content: Prestigious position for Korean skincare products in the UAE
Korean skincare products sweep the UAE market
Unique and effective ingredients in the product range drive demand in the UAE and around the world
Retailers in the UAE are seeing a dramatic increase in the sale of Korean beauty products recently.
Along with the wave of popularity of South Korean drama, movies and music, the country ’ s skincare products have also gained prominence.
Shiraz Khan, Chief Operating Officer of Aster GCC Retail, said: “We have observed a significant increase in demand for Korean beauty products, both globally and within the UAE.
At myAster, we saw significant growth of 60 per cent in the first quarter of the year, with skin care and sun protection products being the most sought after, contributing 61 per cent and 38 per cent respectively to our sales. ”
Other retailers have confirmed the growing demand for them.
Jonathan Watts, General Manager of AS Watson, said: “Korean skincare has become a treasure trove in the beauty industry globally and the Middle East is no exception. We have seen a significant rise in Watson this year, with sales doubling so far in 2024, compared to last year. ”
According to e-commerce company Noon, they have taken several steps to meet the growing demand.
Retika Jain, Head of Beauty at Noon, said: “Korean beauty products are seeing huge customer demand from Noon, especially in the skincare and makeup categories, and to meet this growing demand, Noon has partnered with local and Korean vendors to offer original Korean beauty products at very competitive prices, and deliver them quickly. ”
Reasons for fame
There are several reasons for the rise in popularity of Korean beauty products according to experts.
Jonathan Watts said: “Consumers highly value the focus on skin care within Korean cosmetics, as well as the unique and effective ingredients found in the product range.
Ingredients such as Hartlev leaves and snail extract, although unconventional, are effective and gentle on the skin. ”
He said there were other factors that made the skincare package so popular among the younger generation.
He added: “The majority of Korean beauty product brands are not harsh on the skin, and are in line with the growing consumer preference for ethically sourced products.
The influence of TikTok and the boom in Korean pop culture are also major contributors to the phenomenon we see with Korean beauty products. ”
Shiraz Khan
Shiraz said the unique preparation of the products also played an important role in increasing their popularity.
“Innovative formulas, high efficiency and a cultural wave driven by Korean beauty trends through social media and influencers are all factors that have helped their spread. Korean beauty products are known for their advanced skin care techniques and natural ingredients, which attract a wide population looking for effective and gentle skin care solutions, ” he said.
Glassy skin, dewy appearance
Jonathan said that “glass skin ” among Koreans is one of the most desirable things.
“This requires a careful skincare regimen that focuses on hydration, exfoliation and nutrition, areas where Korean beauty brands excel.
Products such as serums, masks, eye masks and extracts with moisturizing ingredients are essential for a vitreous skin appearance. ”
Regardless of the appearance of glassy skin, there are many other common Korean trends.
Retika Jane said: “In double cleansing, an oil cleanser is used, followed by a water cleanser to get clean skin. ”
“The trend of using makeup for both beauty and care has also increased.
Customers want to use clean, multi-purpose products that not only work as a lipstick or dye but also moisturize the skin, contain a sun protection factor (SPF) and provide comprehensive nutrition.
“The ‘ dew ’ look is one of the top trends this year, with a particular focus on glossy lips that look fuller. ”
Demand is expected to continue significantly in the near future.
Shiraz said: “We expect this trend to continue as consumers become increasingly aware of the benefits of Korean beauty products, their popularity is not just a fleeting fad but a testament to their quality and effectiveness in meeting different skin care needs. ”
Jonathan agreed: “Korean beauty is here to stay and is likely to become an integral part of everyone ’ s beauty routine in the future.
Watson currently owns more than 30 Korean beauty brands, and we are expected to launch 10 more this year. ”
Khaleej Times - Arabic Edition
www.khaleejtimes.com

The 'glass skin' trend has played a critical role in the global rise of Korean skin care, appealing to consumers seeking a radiant and healthy appearance.

Korean skin care routines are known for their adaptability, evolving from the traditional 10-step regimen to simpler three- or four-step routines to meet modern consumer needs.

Double cleansing, which involves using an oil-based cleanser followed by a water-based cleanser, is a popular practice in Korean skin care that ensures thorough yet gentle cleansing.

Korean skin care products are distinguished by their innovative formulations and the use of unique, effective ingredients such as snail mucin, rice extract, and bee propolis.

Traditional 'hanbang' ingredients, derived from Korean herbal medicine, such as ginseng and green tea, are also commonly integrated into products, appealing to consumers interested in natural and medicinal solutions.

The use of fermented ingredients and advanced technologies in Korean skin care further sets it apart from Western products, offering benefits like enhanced absorption and efficacy.

Korean skin care emphasizes hydration and soothing the skin barrier, with ingredients like ceramides, centella asiatica, and niacinamide being staples in many formulations.

PHAs (polyhydroxy acids) are another example of Korean innovation, providing gentle exfoliation with minimal irritation compared to stronger acids commonly used in Western skin care.

In contrast, Western skin care often focuses on corrective treatments using potent active ingredients like retinol and exfoliating acids, which can sometimes cause irritation when overused.

The gentler approach of Korean skin care, combined with its focus on nourishing rather than stripping the skin, has contributed to its global appeal.

The international boom of Korean skin care can be attributed to the global influence of South Korean culture, including its dramas, movies, and music.

Social media platforms like TikTok have played a pivotal role in popularizing Korean beauty products, with hashtags like #kbeauty garnering billions of views.

Brands such as Laneige, Innisfree, Beauty of Joseon, and Cosrx have achieved viral status on social media, further driving the K-beauty craze.

The Korean government has actively supported its beauty industry, investing in the development and global promotion of its cosmetic brands.

Affordable pricing is another key factor in the popularity of Korean skin care, offering high-quality products at relatively low costs.

This affordability appeals particularly to cost-conscious consumers, including the 'skintellectual' demographic focused on product efficacy.

Retailers worldwide have reported significant growth in sales of Korean beauty products, with some experiencing year-over-year sales doubling.

For example, Cosrx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence has become the number one best-selling beauty product on Amazon, reflecting the demand for Korean skin care.

Korean beauty brands are also known for their innovative product formats and textures, which keep consumers excited and engaged.

Trends like the 'dewy look,' featuring glossy, fuller lips, and multi-purpose products that combine makeup with skin care benefits, have further fueled interest in K-beauty.

K-beauty sunscreens, known for their lightweight formulas that avoid leaving a white cast, have become particularly popular, with products like Beauty of Joseon’s Relief Sun sunscreen going viral.

The ethical sourcing of ingredients and commitment to sustainability in Korean skin care align with growing consumer preferences for environmentally friendly products.

Visually appealing packaging and the use of intriguing ingredients like snail mucin and fermented rice water have also contributed to the allure of Korean skin care.

High-profile brand ambassadors and creative marketing strategies, such as TikTok ASMR product videos, have further boosted the visibility and sales of Korean beauty brands.

In conclusion, the popularity of Korean skin care is driven by its unique philosophy, innovative formulations, cultural influence, affordability, and effective marketing strategies.


The term 'Luddite' originates from early 19th-century England, where workers protested against specific technologies that threatened their livelihoods rather than opposing technological progress as a whole.

The Luddite movement was fundamentally a labor struggle against poverty and exploitative working conditions, with their actions aimed at addressing economic inequality rather than rejecting innovation.

The British government of the time portrayed the Luddites as anti-progress to discredit their cause and undermine their labor movement.

By destroying machines that concentrated wealth in the hands of employers, the Luddites symbolically and practically resisted systems that marginalized workers.

Ned Ludd, a mythical figure associated with the movement, served as a unifying symbol for the rebellion, much like Robin Hood in popular folklore.

While the Luddites organized a powerful rebellion, their legacy has often been overshadowed by more romanticized figures like Robin Hood, despite their direct challenge to oppressive systems.

The myth of Ned Ludd was perceived as particularly threatening to elites because it encouraged organized resistance against exploitative practices.

Modern parallels to the Luddite struggle can be seen in Silicon Valley, where a small number of corporations dominate technological innovation, often sidelining the interests of workers.

Today’s technological development is frequently undemocratic, with immense capital concentrated among innovators, creating disparities similar to those faced by the Luddites.

In modern society, resistance to technology often stems from technophobia, a fear that emerged during the Industrial Revolution when workers worried that automation would eliminate their jobs.

Technophobia persists today, with concerns about advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence potentially displacing human labor and altering societal structures.

The term 'Luddite' originates from early 19th-century England, where workers protested against specific technologies that threatened their livelihoods rather than opposing technological progress as a whole.

Title:

Content: Brian Merchant, author: “Luddites are more dangerous to the rich than Robin Hood”

The Luddites have been a great historical resource. Any showy enemy of anything that looked like technological progress has been called a Luddite. Today with generative artificial intelligence and its critics, the word has been revived. The author and journalist Brian Merchant (Iowa City, USA, 1983) saw it coming and has written a book that reviews the Luddite revolt in England at the beginning of the 19th century and its similarities with current technologies: Blood in the Machine (Blood in the Machine, currently without a planned edition in Spanish) thus explores the origins of the current revolt against big technology.

Although the book has appeared in the midst of the AI hype, Merchant began his research a decade ago: “Uber was growing and it was beginning to be seen that it was having a hard impact on taxi drivers, I heard the term Luddite from the pro-Uber sector and wrote an article titled You don't understand anything about Luddites”. Now in his book he remembers that the Luddite revolt was a labor struggle, not anti-technology, at a time when unions were prohibited. In a conversation with EL PAÍS from his residence in Los Angeles, Merchant clarifies the historical impact of the Luddites and the possible similar struggles that are being played today in Silicon Valley.

1. The Luddites were not against progress

The labor revolt over the loss of rights was more important than the destruction of textile machines: “The biggest mistake about the Luddites is to say that they were against technology and progress,” says Merchant. “They were against certain technologies because they recognized the way in which they were going to be used in their context against them as workers. It was a labor movement, against poverty, not anti-technology. The British Government began to mold them in this way almost immediately, it was keen to mock the Luddites and present the argument that they were against progress. It is very similar to how today people in positions of power in technology companies accuse those who complain about poor working conditions. It's the same story for 200 years.”

The book quotes a phrase from historian Eric Hobsbawm that explains this stage: “It was collective bargaining through riots.” According to Merchant, this tactic in a workers' struggle was very powerful for two reasons: “First, it was symbolic because everyone understood that what they were destroying was not just a machine. It was also the specific machine used to transfer wealth from the workers to the employer. Second, it was useful because they destroyed the equipment that businessmen needed.”

2. Why Robin Hood is better accepted than Ned Ludd

Ned Ludd was a legendary character. No one knows for sure if he existed. It was the legend of a teenager who would have broken the first machines at the beginning of the Industrial Revolution. In 1811, rebellious workers used his legendary name to sign letters and further scare: “Ludd probably never existed. But the incarnation of it would become a mascot, an organizational tool, a wink: a powerful 19th-century meme,” Merchant writes.

See also  The Commander of the Land Forces meets in Muscat a number of Omani military leaders

Ludd lived near Nottingham (United Kingdom), like another legendary figure who has been better treated by history. There must be a reason, says Merchant: “The Luddites organized a popular and powerful rebellion. People wrote popular songs about them. They were like Robin Hood. But it is interesting that Robin Hood has endured as a positive light, while the Luddites have not. He suggests that the myth of Ned Ludd is in some ways more dangerous to the elites and the wealthy than that of Robin Hood, which is a little more nebulous and open. The Luddites say: go ahead and break the machines of your oppression. Robin Hood says: steal from the rich and give to the poor. “I think that’s a little more tolerable.”

3. How are they similar to today's problems?

The background of the book is that the history of the Luddites is similar to what happens today in Silicon Valley, where a small group of corporations dominate new technologies. “The way technologies are developed has basically not changed. You have a handful of people with access to enough capital or political influence to be able to build a factory and use automation technologies. “Back then, the most aggressive owners didn’t ask anyone how to find a way to make this a win-win.”

Merchant has received criticism for equating the great businessmen of 19th century England with 21st century America. But there are details that he does not see that far away: “The technology development process is in some ways even more undemocratic today than then. There is this immense pool of capital available to Silicon Valley innovators through venture capital. Uber wasn't profitable for 10 years, but they had access to that capital. Did anyone really like that? Did it work for workers and delivery people? Nothing mattered, they just had more money and moved on.”

See also  Just the mystery

The Luddite movement was fundamentally a labor struggle against poverty and exploitative working conditions, with their actions aimed at addressing economic inequality rather than rejecting innovation.

The British government of the time portrayed the Luddites as anti-progress to discredit their cause and undermine their labor movement.

By destroying machines that concentrated wealth in the hands of employers, the Luddites symbolically and practically resisted systems that marginalized workers.

Ned Ludd, a mythical figure associated with the movement, served as a unifying symbol for the rebellion, much like Robin Hood in popular folklore.

While the Luddites organized a powerful rebellion, their legacy has often been overshadowed by more romanticized figures like Robin Hood, despite their direct challenge to oppressive systems.

The myth of Ned Ludd was perceived as particularly threatening to elites because it encouraged organized resistance against exploitative practices.

Modern parallels to the Luddite struggle can be seen in Silicon Valley, where a small number of corporations dominate technological innovation, often sidelining the interests of workers.

Today’s technological development is frequently undemocratic, with immense capital concentrated among innovators, creating disparities similar to those faced by the Luddites.

In modern society, resistance to technology often stems from technophobia, a fear that emerged during the Industrial Revolution when workers worried that automation would eliminate their jobs.

Title:

Content: 10 curious near-technological facts to expand your horizons
What do phones for the blind look like, where and when the first cell phone call was made, what font is considered the most hated in the world?
Read the answers to these and other questions in our article.
Blind people can use mobile phones
There is a special Braille technology and accessories for blind people to use mobile phones.
It uses special buttons that rise and fall, so that a person can touch and read information.
Google ’ s first tweet was incomprehensible
For the average person, the very first post of Google on Twitter was something of a nonsense.
It read: "I'm 01100110 01100101 01100101 01101100 01101001 01101110 01100111 00100000 01101100 01110101 01100011 01101011 01111001 00001010".
Translated from the binary code, it means the phrase: “I ’ m feeling lucky ”, which can be translated into Russian as“ I ’ m lucky! ” (this phrase you can see on the right button under the Google search query field).
The first cell phone call was made in New York.
The first ever mobile phone call was made in 1973 on a street in New York by Martin Cooper, an employee of Motorola.
19 years later, British engineer Neil Papworth sent the first text message.
More than 6,000 new computer viruses are created and distributed every month
This number has increased dramatically since 1990, when there were only 50 known computer viruses.
Today, 90% of emails contain malware that most people are unaware of.
Facebook has more likes than photos
More than 300 million photos are shared on Facebook every day, with 800 million likes being placed over the same period.
By the way, the heart reactions are put only 175 million per day.
The iPhones were almost in the shape of an apple.
The original design for the iPhone was in the shape of an apple.
Initially, the mobile phone was developed as a clamshell with a keypad.
In the closed state, it looked like the Apple logo.
Comic Sans is the most hated font in the world
Comic Sans was developed as a non-serious handwritten font for use in comics.
And while everyone loves to hate this tasteless font, it ’ s actually very suitable for people with dyslexia.
Due to its asymmetrical style, letters are easier to distinguish.
Internet speed at NASA — 91 GB per second
The average speed of the Internet connection for users is about 25 MB per second.
This is usually enough to watch Netflix without buffering delays.
But let ’ s face it: if there ’ s any technology company that could really benefit from the speed of the Internet, it ’ s NASA.
Nokia is the largest company in Finland
So much so that the Finns consider it a national pride.
And although we often think that Nokia is just a manufacturer of mobile phones, under this famous brand in 1865 was originally made paper.
The company took up technology in the 1980s.
Some people are afraid of technology.
People experience a wide variety of fears, and technology is no exception.
Called “technophobia, ” this fear arose during the Industrial Revolution, when workers began to fear that automated systems would deprive them of their jobs.
Similarly, this applies to modern society, as well as to people who are afraid of too advanced high technologies, such as artificial intelligence technology.
Source: https: / / udivitelnoe.
temaretik.com / 2269583156035980278 /
Dear friends!
Be sure to put likes, subscribe to the site and share your opinion in the comments!
I also recommend reading:
The world is on the verge of war with Aliens? https: / / otari.mirtesen.ru / blog / 43009838561 /
Ancient artifacts: the mystery of the “genetic disk ” https: / / otari.mirtesen.ru / blog / 43649493804 /
What does the shape of your eyebrows tell you about your character?
https: / / otari.mirtesen.ru / blog / 43192033043 /
Picture of the day
top
,,

Technophobia persists today, with concerns about advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence potentially displacing human labor and altering societal structures.


The Luddites, a group of English workers in the early 19th century, were not inherently opposed to technology or progress but resisted specific technologies that they believed were being used to undermine their livelihoods and working conditions.

Their revolt was fundamentally a labor movement aimed at addressing poverty and poor working conditions, rather than a blanket opposition to technological advancement.

The British government of the time portrayed the Luddites as being against progress, a narrative designed to mock and discredit their legitimate labor struggle.

The Luddites' destruction of machinery was both a symbolic and practical act, targeting technologies that they saw as transferring wealth and power from workers to employers.

Ned Ludd, a legendary figure associated with the movement, served as a powerful organizational symbol for the Luddites' rebellion.

Despite the significant impact of their organized rebellion, the legacy of the Luddites has often been treated less favorably than other historical figures like Robin Hood.

The myth of Ned Ludd was perceived as particularly threatening to elites because it directly encouraged rebellion against oppressive systems, unlike the more romanticized narrative of Robin Hood.

In modern times, the struggles of the Luddites find parallels in the dynamics of Silicon Valley, where a small number of corporations wield significant control over emerging technologies.

The development of contemporary technologies often occurs in an undemocratic manner, with immense capital concentrated in the hands of innovators, frequently sidelining the interests and well-being of workers.

The fear of technology, known as 'technophobia,' has historical roots in the Industrial Revolution, when workers feared that automated systems would render their skills obsolete and deprive them of employment.

This technophobia persists in modern society, manifesting in concerns about advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and their potential to disrupt jobs and societal norms.

The Luddites, a group of English workers in the early 19th century, were not inherently opposed to technology or progress but resisted specific technologies that they believed were being used to undermine their livelihoods and working conditions.

Title:

Content: Brian Merchant, author: “Luddites are more dangerous to the rich than Robin Hood”

The Luddites have been a great historical resource. Any showy enemy of anything that looked like technological progress has been called a Luddite. Today with generative artificial intelligence and its critics, the word has been revived. The author and journalist Brian Merchant (Iowa City, USA, 1983) saw it coming and has written a book that reviews the Luddite revolt in England at the beginning of the 19th century and its similarities with current technologies: Blood in the Machine (Blood in the Machine, currently without a planned edition in Spanish) thus explores the origins of the current revolt against big technology.

Although the book has appeared in the midst of the AI hype, Merchant began his research a decade ago: “Uber was growing and it was beginning to be seen that it was having a hard impact on taxi drivers, I heard the term Luddite from the pro-Uber sector and wrote an article titled You don't understand anything about Luddites”. Now in his book he remembers that the Luddite revolt was a labor struggle, not anti-technology, at a time when unions were prohibited. In a conversation with EL PAÍS from his residence in Los Angeles, Merchant clarifies the historical impact of the Luddites and the possible similar struggles that are being played today in Silicon Valley.

1. The Luddites were not against progress

The labor revolt over the loss of rights was more important than the destruction of textile machines: “The biggest mistake about the Luddites is to say that they were against technology and progress,” says Merchant. “They were against certain technologies because they recognized the way in which they were going to be used in their context against them as workers. It was a labor movement, against poverty, not anti-technology. The British Government began to mold them in this way almost immediately, it was keen to mock the Luddites and present the argument that they were against progress. It is very similar to how today people in positions of power in technology companies accuse those who complain about poor working conditions. It's the same story for 200 years.”

The book quotes a phrase from historian Eric Hobsbawm that explains this stage: “It was collective bargaining through riots.” According to Merchant, this tactic in a workers' struggle was very powerful for two reasons: “First, it was symbolic because everyone understood that what they were destroying was not just a machine. It was also the specific machine used to transfer wealth from the workers to the employer. Second, it was useful because they destroyed the equipment that businessmen needed.”

2. Why Robin Hood is better accepted than Ned Ludd

Ned Ludd was a legendary character. No one knows for sure if he existed. It was the legend of a teenager who would have broken the first machines at the beginning of the Industrial Revolution. In 1811, rebellious workers used his legendary name to sign letters and further scare: “Ludd probably never existed. But the incarnation of it would become a mascot, an organizational tool, a wink: a powerful 19th-century meme,” Merchant writes.

See also  The Commander of the Land Forces meets in Muscat a number of Omani military leaders

Ludd lived near Nottingham (United Kingdom), like another legendary figure who has been better treated by history. There must be a reason, says Merchant: “The Luddites organized a popular and powerful rebellion. People wrote popular songs about them. They were like Robin Hood. But it is interesting that Robin Hood has endured as a positive light, while the Luddites have not. He suggests that the myth of Ned Ludd is in some ways more dangerous to the elites and the wealthy than that of Robin Hood, which is a little more nebulous and open. The Luddites say: go ahead and break the machines of your oppression. Robin Hood says: steal from the rich and give to the poor. “I think that’s a little more tolerable.”

3. How are they similar to today's problems?

The background of the book is that the history of the Luddites is similar to what happens today in Silicon Valley, where a small group of corporations dominate new technologies. “The way technologies are developed has basically not changed. You have a handful of people with access to enough capital or political influence to be able to build a factory and use automation technologies. “Back then, the most aggressive owners didn’t ask anyone how to find a way to make this a win-win.”

Merchant has received criticism for equating the great businessmen of 19th century England with 21st century America. But there are details that he does not see that far away: “The technology development process is in some ways even more undemocratic today than then. There is this immense pool of capital available to Silicon Valley innovators through venture capital. Uber wasn't profitable for 10 years, but they had access to that capital. Did anyone really like that? Did it work for workers and delivery people? Nothing mattered, they just had more money and moved on.”

See also  Just the mystery

Their revolt was fundamentally a labor movement aimed at addressing poverty and poor working conditions, rather than a blanket opposition to technological advancement.

The British government of the time portrayed the Luddites as being against progress, a narrative designed to mock and discredit their legitimate labor struggle.

The Luddites' destruction of machinery was both a symbolic and practical act, targeting technologies that they saw as transferring wealth and power from workers to employers.

Ned Ludd, a legendary figure associated with the movement, served as a powerful organizational symbol for the Luddites' rebellion.

Despite the significant impact of their organized rebellion, the legacy of the Luddites has often been treated less favorably than other historical figures like Robin Hood.

The myth of Ned Ludd was perceived as particularly threatening to elites because it directly encouraged rebellion against oppressive systems, unlike the more romanticized narrative of Robin Hood.

In modern times, the struggles of the Luddites find parallels in the dynamics of Silicon Valley, where a small number of corporations wield significant control over emerging technologies.

The development of contemporary technologies often occurs in an undemocratic manner, with immense capital concentrated in the hands of innovators, frequently sidelining the interests and well-being of workers.

The fear of technology, known as 'technophobia,' has historical roots in the Industrial Revolution, when workers feared that automated systems would render their skills obsolete and deprive them of employment.

Title:

Content: 10 curious near-technological facts to expand your horizons
What do phones for the blind look like, where and when the first cell phone call was made, what font is considered the most hated in the world?
Read the answers to these and other questions in our article.
Blind people can use mobile phones
There is a special Braille technology and accessories for blind people to use mobile phones.
It uses special buttons that rise and fall, so that a person can touch and read information.
Google ’ s first tweet was incomprehensible
For the average person, the very first post of Google on Twitter was something of a nonsense.
It read: "I'm 01100110 01100101 01100101 01101100 01101001 01101110 01100111 00100000 01101100 01110101 01100011 01101011 01111001 00001010".
Translated from the binary code, it means the phrase: “I ’ m feeling lucky ”, which can be translated into Russian as“ I ’ m lucky! ” (this phrase you can see on the right button under the Google search query field).
The first cell phone call was made in New York.
The first ever mobile phone call was made in 1973 on a street in New York by Martin Cooper, an employee of Motorola.
19 years later, British engineer Neil Papworth sent the first text message.
More than 6,000 new computer viruses are created and distributed every month
This number has increased dramatically since 1990, when there were only 50 known computer viruses.
Today, 90% of emails contain malware that most people are unaware of.
Facebook has more likes than photos
More than 300 million photos are shared on Facebook every day, with 800 million likes being placed over the same period.
By the way, the heart reactions are put only 175 million per day.
The iPhones were almost in the shape of an apple.
The original design for the iPhone was in the shape of an apple.
Initially, the mobile phone was developed as a clamshell with a keypad.
In the closed state, it looked like the Apple logo.
Comic Sans is the most hated font in the world
Comic Sans was developed as a non-serious handwritten font for use in comics.
And while everyone loves to hate this tasteless font, it ’ s actually very suitable for people with dyslexia.
Due to its asymmetrical style, letters are easier to distinguish.
Internet speed at NASA — 91 GB per second
The average speed of the Internet connection for users is about 25 MB per second.
This is usually enough to watch Netflix without buffering delays.
But let ’ s face it: if there ’ s any technology company that could really benefit from the speed of the Internet, it ’ s NASA.
Nokia is the largest company in Finland
So much so that the Finns consider it a national pride.
And although we often think that Nokia is just a manufacturer of mobile phones, under this famous brand in 1865 was originally made paper.
The company took up technology in the 1980s.
Some people are afraid of technology.
People experience a wide variety of fears, and technology is no exception.
Called “technophobia, ” this fear arose during the Industrial Revolution, when workers began to fear that automated systems would deprive them of their jobs.
Similarly, this applies to modern society, as well as to people who are afraid of too advanced high technologies, such as artificial intelligence technology.
Source: https: / / udivitelnoe.
temaretik.com / 2269583156035980278 /
Dear friends!
Be sure to put likes, subscribe to the site and share your opinion in the comments!
I also recommend reading:
The world is on the verge of war with Aliens? https: / / otari.mirtesen.ru / blog / 43009838561 /
Ancient artifacts: the mystery of the “genetic disk ” https: / / otari.mirtesen.ru / blog / 43649493804 /
What does the shape of your eyebrows tell you about your character?
https: / / otari.mirtesen.ru / blog / 43192033043 /
Picture of the day
top
,,

This technophobia persists in modern society, manifesting in concerns about advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and their potential to disrupt jobs and societal norms.


In ancient Egyptian culture, animals were regarded as sacred and divine, with the belief that they played a significant role in shaping human destinies.

Cats held a particularly esteemed position, symbolizing spiritual and mythological concepts through their association with the goddess Bast, who was depicted as a cat or a woman with a cat’s head and represented well-being, joy, love, and fertility.

The Egyptians nicknamed cats 'sunny eye' due to their ability to see in the dark, which elevated their status as mystical and protective figures in Egyptian mythology.

Beyond their spiritual significance, cats were highly valued for their practical contributions, particularly their ability to exterminate rodents, which safeguarded grain stocks that were as precious as gold in ancient Egypt.

The deep reverence for cats extended to elaborate cultural practices, including mummification and burial rituals, as Egyptians believed their pets deserved eternal life alongside humans.

One of the most striking mourning rituals involved shaving one’s eyebrows upon the death of a family cat, a practice that underscored the profound emotional and spiritual connection Egyptians felt toward these animals.

In ancient Egyptian culture, animals were regarded as sacred and divine, with the belief that they played a significant role in shaping human destinies.

Title:

Content: The mummy of a pet: why and why did the ancient Egyptians do this?
1: 43
The Egyptians showed special respect for their pets, their love was so great that they wanted these animals to have eternal life.
After death, pets were mummified and went through a complex burial process.
In ancient Egyptian worldview, four-legged and feathered creatures were considered sacred, divine and influencing their destinies.
They occupied an honorable place in the pantheon, and the gods were often depicted with animal heads.
Mummification was an integral part of this religious practice, emphasizing the special status of these creatures in the eyes of the Egyptians.
The Egyptians mummified various animals, believing that their gods could take different forms.
For example, the goddess Bast, the daughter of Ra, was depicted as a cat or a woman with a cat ’ s head.
This goddess symbolized well-being, joy, love and fertility.
The Egyptians especially revered cats for their ability to exterminate rodents, which was critical for preserving grain stocks, then considered valuable as gold.
Cats have also earned the nickname “sunny eye ” due to their ability to see in the dark.
This property made them important symbols in Egyptian mythology.
Archaeological studies conducted at the ancient Egyptian necropolis of Qubbet el-Hawa have uncovered the burial of crocodiles, one of which has been preserved in the form of a practically whole mummy, providing a unique look at the ancient rites and veneration of animals in this culture.
Author Petr Deryabin
Petr Deryabin – journalist, correspondent of Pravda.Ru news service

Cats held a particularly esteemed position, symbolizing spiritual and mythological concepts through their association with the goddess Bast, who was depicted as a cat or a woman with a cat’s head and represented well-being, joy, love, and fertility.

The Egyptians nicknamed cats 'sunny eye' due to their ability to see in the dark, which elevated their status as mystical and protective figures in Egyptian mythology.

Beyond their spiritual significance, cats were highly valued for their practical contributions, particularly their ability to exterminate rodents, which safeguarded grain stocks that were as precious as gold in ancient Egypt.

The deep reverence for cats extended to elaborate cultural practices, including mummification and burial rituals, as Egyptians believed their pets deserved eternal life alongside humans.

One of the most striking mourning rituals involved shaving one’s eyebrows upon the death of a family cat, a practice that underscored the profound emotional and spiritual connection Egyptians felt toward these animals.


In ancient Egyptian culture, animals were not merely companions or utilitarian beings; they were revered as sacred entities with divine qualities that could influence human destinies.

Among these animals, cats held a particularly exalted status, symbolizing a unique blend of spiritual and practical significance.

The goddess Bast, also known as Bastet, was a central figure in Egyptian mythology and was often depicted as a cat or a woman with the head of a cat, embodying attributes such as well-being, joy, love, and fertility.

This divine association elevated cats to a sacred status, making them integral to the spiritual and cultural fabric of ancient Egyptian society.

Cats were affectionately referred to as 'sunny eye' in ancient Egypt, a nickname that highlighted their ability to see in the dark and linked them to the sun and light in Egyptian mythology.

This unique ability to navigate darkness contributed to their symbolic representation of protection and vigilance, qualities that were deeply valued in Egyptian spiritual beliefs.

The ancient Egyptians demonstrated profound respect for their pets, particularly cats, to the extent that they believed these animals deserved eternal life through mummification and elaborate burial rituals.

This practice of mummifying cats underscores the depth of their spiritual and emotional connection to these animals, treating them as family members and sacred beings.

One of the most striking cultural practices related to cats was the mourning ritual, where Egyptians would shave their eyebrows to signify the loss of a family cat.

This act of shaving eyebrows was a visible and deeply personal expression of grief, reflecting the profound bond between humans and cats in ancient Egyptian society.

Beyond their spiritual significance, cats were also highly valued for their practical contributions, particularly their role in controlling rodent populations.

By exterminating rodents, cats played a critical role in preserving grain stocks, which were as valuable as gold and essential for the survival and prosperity of ancient Egyptian civilization.

This dual role of cats, as both protectors of vital resources and sacred beings, solidified their unparalleled importance in the daily lives and spiritual practices of the ancient Egyptians.

In ancient Egyptian culture, animals were not merely companions or utilitarian beings; they were revered as sacred entities with divine qualities that could influence human destinies.

Title:

Content: The mummy of a pet: why and why did the ancient Egyptians do this?
1: 43
The Egyptians showed special respect for their pets, their love was so great that they wanted these animals to have eternal life.
After death, pets were mummified and went through a complex burial process.
In ancient Egyptian worldview, four-legged and feathered creatures were considered sacred, divine and influencing their destinies.
They occupied an honorable place in the pantheon, and the gods were often depicted with animal heads.
Mummification was an integral part of this religious practice, emphasizing the special status of these creatures in the eyes of the Egyptians.
The Egyptians mummified various animals, believing that their gods could take different forms.
For example, the goddess Bast, the daughter of Ra, was depicted as a cat or a woman with a cat ’ s head.
This goddess symbolized well-being, joy, love and fertility.
The Egyptians especially revered cats for their ability to exterminate rodents, which was critical for preserving grain stocks, then considered valuable as gold.
Cats have also earned the nickname “sunny eye ” due to their ability to see in the dark.
This property made them important symbols in Egyptian mythology.
Archaeological studies conducted at the ancient Egyptian necropolis of Qubbet el-Hawa have uncovered the burial of crocodiles, one of which has been preserved in the form of a practically whole mummy, providing a unique look at the ancient rites and veneration of animals in this culture.
Author Petr Deryabin
Petr Deryabin – journalist, correspondent of Pravda.Ru news service

Among these animals, cats held a particularly exalted status, symbolizing a unique blend of spiritual and practical significance.

The goddess Bast, also known as Bastet, was a central figure in Egyptian mythology and was often depicted as a cat or a woman with the head of a cat, embodying attributes such as well-being, joy, love, and fertility.

This divine association elevated cats to a sacred status, making them integral to the spiritual and cultural fabric of ancient Egyptian society.

Cats were affectionately referred to as 'sunny eye' in ancient Egypt, a nickname that highlighted their ability to see in the dark and linked them to the sun and light in Egyptian mythology.

This unique ability to navigate darkness contributed to their symbolic representation of protection and vigilance, qualities that were deeply valued in Egyptian spiritual beliefs.

The ancient Egyptians demonstrated profound respect for their pets, particularly cats, to the extent that they believed these animals deserved eternal life through mummification and elaborate burial rituals.

This practice of mummifying cats underscores the depth of their spiritual and emotional connection to these animals, treating them as family members and sacred beings.

One of the most striking cultural practices related to cats was the mourning ritual, where Egyptians would shave their eyebrows to signify the loss of a family cat.

This act of shaving eyebrows was a visible and deeply personal expression of grief, reflecting the profound bond between humans and cats in ancient Egyptian society.

Beyond their spiritual significance, cats were also highly valued for their practical contributions, particularly their role in controlling rodent populations.

By exterminating rodents, cats played a critical role in preserving grain stocks, which were as valuable as gold and essential for the survival and prosperity of ancient Egyptian civilization.

This dual role of cats, as both protectors of vital resources and sacred beings, solidified their unparalleled importance in the daily lives and spiritual practices of the ancient Egyptians.


The Elgin Marbles, a collection of 17 sculptures originally part of the Parthenon frieze in Athens, were removed by Lord Elgin in the early 19th century during his tenure as British ambassador to the Ottoman Empire, which ruled Greece at the time.

Lord Elgin claimed to have obtained permission from the Ottoman authorities to remove the sculptures, but no documentation has been found to substantiate this claim, fueling the controversy surrounding their removal.

Since their arrival in Britain, the Elgin Marbles have been housed in the British Museum, sparking a debate over their legitimacy and ownership that has persisted for over two centuries.

Greece has consistently sought the return of the marbles, with efforts intensifying after its independence in 1832 and gaining momentum in the 1980s under Minister of Culture Melina Mercury.

In 2009, Greece opened the Acropolis Museum, specifically designed to house the Elgin Marbles should they be repatriated, underscoring their cultural and historical significance to the nation.

However, the British Museum Act of 1963 prohibits the permanent return of items in its collection, creating a significant legal barrier to repatriation.

In recent years, diplomatic efforts have explored alternative solutions, such as a 'Parthenon partnership' or long-term loan agreements, with Greece offering to exchange other artifacts in return.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has described the separation of the marbles as akin to tearing apart a masterpiece, emphasizing their importance as symbols of national identity and sovereignty.

The controversy has broader implications for international relations and cultural diplomacy, with UNESCO attempting to mediate talks and advocates like Stephen Fry proposing innovative solutions such as virtual replicas.

While no resolution has been reached, ongoing discussions and recent repatriation agreements with other nations suggest potential pathways for resolving the dispute over the Elgin Marbles.

The Elgin Marbles, a collection of 17 sculptures originally part of the Parthenon frieze in Athens, were removed by Lord Elgin in the early 19th century during his tenure as British ambassador to the Ottoman Empire, which ruled Greece at the time.

Title:

Content: LONDON (Reuters) - The historic Greek treasure of Elgin Marbles is nearing its return to its country of origin, 200 years after it was moved and ended up in the British Museum.
The Parthenon marble, seen as a symbol of freedom in Greece, was controversially moved out of the country by a British diplomat in a move that ignited a debate that lasted more than two centuries.
Greece has made repeated requests for the sculptures to be returned after they were controversially removed from one of the world ’ s most historic landmarks.
Prime Minister Rishi Sonak had been scheduled to meet his Greek counterpart Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Tuesday, but Downing Street canceled the arrangement and sent Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Duden instead.
The head of the British Museum, former Conservative Chancellor George Osborne, is pushing for a temporary loan to be returned to Greece, and is believed to have drawn up a deal.
But both Sonak and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer say they will not support a change to the British Museum law that currently bars their return.
The museum said it was continuing "constructive discussions" about their possible return.
Gin Marble
The Algin marble is 17 sculptures that are 2,500 years old.
His pieces were part of a frieze that adorned the ancient Parthenon temple at the Acropolis in Athens, Greece.
The marbles make up about half of the 160-meter-long frieze of the Parthenon Temple, which is considered one of the greatest cultural monuments in the world.
These sculptures are seen as symbols of freedom in Greece, where they are known as Parthenon marble.
British diplomat Lord Elgin removed the sculptures from the majestic Parthenon temple in the early 19th century.
At that time, he was ambassador to the Ottoman Empire, which ruled Greece.
Beginning in 1801, Lord Elgin is said to have supervised the removal of the marble and shipped it to the UK in 170 boxes.
He is said to have claimed to have obtained permission from the Ottoman Empire to move the marble, but despite massive documentation from that period, nothing was found to support his actions.
In the United Kingdom, Lord Elgin received support and criticism, and sold it to the United Kingdom government in 1816 before the marble was transferred to the custody of the British Museum.
The beginning and evolution of the dispute
The controversy between Greece and Britain can be traced back to when the marble first arrived in Britain due to criticism of its removal.
In 1832, Greece gained independence from the Ottoman Empire before it began trying to recover sculptures and other works of art taken from the country.
In the early 1980s, the actress and then Greek Minister of Culture, Melina Mercury, reignited the campaign when she made it her mission to secure the return of marble sculptures.
In 1983, she met with the director of the British Museum, Dr. David Wilson, in London to demand the return of the sculptures.
She continued to press the museum and the British government until her death in 1994.
Despite other requests and high-level media coverage, no agreement was reached in the years that followed.
A new campaign
In 2009, Greece stepped up its marble recovery campaign after opening a new museum at the foot of the Acropolis Hill, hoping one day to house it.
In 2014, human rights lawyer Amal Clooney called on Britain to start talks with Greece over the return of the Elgin marble.
The lawyer, who is the wife of Hollywood star George Clooney, said: "This is an injustice that has been going on for a long time, in a world full of intractable conflicts."
In 2015, Greece ruled out any legal action against the UK over Elgin Marbles.
In May 2022, the so-called Fagan fragment — a piece showing the foot of the ancient Greek goddess Artemis seated — was permanently returned to Athens from a museum in Italy.
It was originally part of the eastern frieze of the temple dating back to the 5th century BC.
The British reaction
In 2022, there were calls to make it easier for UK museums to consider returning cultural objects, but the government rejected them.
Former Conservative culture minister Lord Vaizi also headed a new body aimed at returning Elgin marble to Greece.
The refusal came after then-Prime Minister Boris Johnson told the Greek prime minister during talks at Downing Street in 2021 that the sculpture issue was "a matter for the curators of the British Museum".
Then, at the beginning of December, George Osborne, the head of the British Museum, reportedly held secret talks with the Greek prime minister about the possibility of returning the marble sculptures.
Negotiations between former Treasury Secretary Osborne and Kiriakos Mitsotakis have been taking place in London since November 2021, according to the Greek daily Ta Nea.
The Greek prime minister has on numerous occasions called for the relocation of the sculptures, and even offered to lend other treasures to the British Museum in return.
A spokesman for Project Parthenon, a campaign advocating the return of marble sculptures, hailed the talks as a “positive sign ” that a“ win-win solution ” to the centuries-old debate could be reached.
Possible deal?
In December last year, Downing Street said there were no plans to change the law that prohibits the museum from disposing of objects in its collection except in very limited circumstances.
A spokesman for the prime minister said: “The Parthenon sculptures are legally owned by trustees and are practically independent of the government. ”
Last month, the British Museum issued a statement saying it would not dismantle its collection “because it tells a unique story of our common humanity, ” but added that it wanted to forge a new“ Parthenon partnership ” with Greece.
The talks in Westminster were used by former culture minister Lord Vaizi to press again for the return of the sculptures.
He said that the frieze in Athens "resembles a film that was cut in half and half of it was moved against the will of its owners to another country."
After cancelling the bilateral meeting between Sonak and Mitsotakis on Tuesday, the Greek leader said he was "disappointed".
Mr Sonak said the UK “has no plans to change our approach ” but“ did not ask him [Mr Mitsotakis] what short-term or new ideas have been put forward ”.
Starmer and Mitsotakis Meet
Opposition Labour leader Sir Kiir Starmer met Mitsotakis on Monday.
A source close to Labour leader Sir Kiir Starmer told the Financial Times he was unlikely to change the law if he won the next election.
"We are committed to the current law, but if a mutually acceptable loan deal can be agreed between the British Museum and the Greek government, we will not stand in the way."
Is the agreement possible?
The head of the National Museum, George Osborne, is understood to have drawn up a deal with Athens, according to the Daily Telegraph.
Current legislation bars the museum from legally granting treasures, but Osborne is said to be seeking to repatriate the antiquities as part of a long-term "cultural exchange."
But this loan deal is not expected to permanently end the long-running dispute.
The article was prepared from the site of (Sky News) British channel:
https: / / news.sky.com / story / elgin-marbles-what-are-they-and-how-did-they-end-up-in-the-british-museum-12779617

Lord Elgin claimed to have obtained permission from the Ottoman authorities to remove the sculptures, but no documentation has been found to substantiate this claim, fueling the controversy surrounding their removal.

Since their arrival in Britain, the Elgin Marbles have been housed in the British Museum, sparking a debate over their legitimacy and ownership that has persisted for over two centuries.

Greece has consistently sought the return of the marbles, with efforts intensifying after its independence in 1832 and gaining momentum in the 1980s under Minister of Culture Melina Mercury.

In 2009, Greece opened the Acropolis Museum, specifically designed to house the Elgin Marbles should they be repatriated, underscoring their cultural and historical significance to the nation.

However, the British Museum Act of 1963 prohibits the permanent return of items in its collection, creating a significant legal barrier to repatriation.

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Content:
Send Them Home

The Elgin Marbles, actually the Parthenon Marbles, have been Greek for over two thousand years and still are in every way except location. They were taken, realistically stolen, by Lord Elgin in the early 1800s and most people believe should be returned but that is actually illegal under British Museum Act 1963 and offers to ‘lend’ them are insulting.

One of the most obvious concerns that many museums have is that they would be emptied of items that were acquired, a weasel word for stolen, during times when the attitudes were different. Different attitudes do not condone theft.

Let’s return the thefts of the past to their rightful owners and put the past attitudes in the rubbish bin of time.

Dennis Fitzgerald,
Melbourne, Australia

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In recent years, diplomatic efforts have explored alternative solutions, such as a 'Parthenon partnership' or long-term loan agreements, with Greece offering to exchange other artifacts in return.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has described the separation of the marbles as akin to tearing apart a masterpiece, emphasizing their importance as symbols of national identity and sovereignty.

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Greek PM reiterates demand for British Museum to return Parthenon statue, British PM cancels meeting, sparking diplomatic row
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, in an interview with the BBC on Sunday, reiterated that the authorities want the British Museum to return some of the statues that were “stolen ” from the Parthenon Temple.
What we want you to know is
Greek Prime Minister Mitsotakis, in an interview with the BBC on Sunday (26), described the Parthenon shrine as part of the statue group in Greece, part in the United Kingdom, like the "Mona Lisa smile" torn in half and asked Britain to return it.
British Prime Minister David Sunak then called the meeting a "temporary cancellation" hours before the meeting, prompting discontent from Mitsotakis, Greek officials and the public, calling it a "diplomatic crisis."
In an interview with the BBC on Sunday, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis reiterated that the British Museum wants to return some of the “stolen ” statues from the Parthenon Temple. Subsequently, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, hours before the meeting with Mitsotakis, a temporary resolution to cancel, sparking a diplomatic dispute between the two countries.
BBC, British authorities claim that Sunak cancelled the meeting because Mitsotakis broke his promise to "not talk about the statue".
Mitsotakis, however, said it was Greece ’ s consistent and public stance to demand the British Museum return of the statue, saying in a statement: “I would like to express my dissatisfaction with the temporary cancellation by the United Kingdom just hours before the meeting. ”
The Greeks worked for hundreds of years to return the statue of the Parthenon.
The controversial statue is one of a group of marble statues used to decorate the Parthenon Temple in the ancient Greek city of Athens, also known as the Elgin Marbles.
In the 19th century, the British diplomat to the Ottoman Empire, the 7th Earl of Elgin, secretly removed the stone carvings and brought them back to Britain for collection in the British Museum.
At that time, Elgin claimed that he had taken the stone carvings with the permission of the Ottoman Empire and therefore had legitimacy.
However, the Greek authorities do not think so.
Since 1983, the Greek government has been trying to coordinate with the UK to ask them to return the stone carvings. In 2022, UNESCO also intervened to facilitate talks, but to no avail.
Therefore, the issue of the return of the stone carvings has become the core issue and exchange condition of many negotiations between Greece and Britain, including of course the meeting originally planned by Sunak and Mitsotakis.
Statues of the Parthenon Temple are mainly located in Athens and the British Museum.
In an interview with the BBC on the 26th, Mitsotakis described: "The scattered statue is like tearing the famous painting" Mona Lisa's Smile "in two parts and giving it to two museums." He called on the British authorities and the British Museum to return the "stolen" stone carvings and work together so that people can enjoy the statue "in its place".
Because of these remarks, Sunak temporarily announced on Monday night that he would cancel his meeting with Mitsotakis on Tuesday.
According to the Guardian, the British government said that the content of Mitsotakis ’ interview with the BBC violates the commitment of the two countries to “not talk about the return of stone carvings ” agreed in 2021.
The Greek authorities immediately denied the claim, and Mitsotakiston said that Greece ’ s position on asking Britain to return the statue was well known and reiterated during his tenure as prime minister.
The conversation should have been about the climate crisis, the Israeli-Kazakh conflict, the Russian-Ukrainian war, the British and Greek immigration plans, and the Parthenon statue.
After Sunak cancelled the talks, the British offered to have Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden attend, but Mitsotakis refused, and the two sides did not meet.
UK has no plans to amend the British Museum Act
The New York Times reported that in the past two years, the Greek government and the British Museum have repeatedly held "delicate negotiations" over the return of the statue, but the two sides have yet to reach a consensus.
According to the report, the Greek authorities want the British Museum to return all the Parthenon stone carvings, in exchange for which the Greek Museum will regularly select artefacts for display in the British Museum.
For its part, the British Museum agreed to "borrow" some of the Parthenon stone carvings and other exhibits from the Greek government for a short period of time. If Greece "returns" on schedule, the British Museum will "lend" more stone carvings.
Mitsotakis also mentioned in an interview with the BBC that the outcome of the negotiations at this stage is not as good as he expected, but he considers himself a man of perseverance and said: "Greece has waited for hundreds of years, we can wait more."
“I ’ m going to stand firm and be willing to continue negotiations.
A British government spokesman told The Guardian they were concerned that the return of stone carvings to Greece could create a “slippery slope ” that could trigger a wave of returns of disputed artifacts from other collections.
In addition, the British Museum Act 1963 states that the British Museum may not return its collections to its homeland.
According to the BBC, the British government has no plans to amend the decree, which means that the British authorities are unwilling to violate the decree and return the stone carvings to Greece.
The return of the stone sculpture is a matter of British election and diplomatic relations.
Evangelos Kyriakidis, head of the Greek Agency for Monuments and Estates, told Euronews that the Greek government attaches importance to the statues of the Parthenon temple because they are not only important monuments, but also a symbol of Greek national strength.
Kiriadis uses the metaphor of "the jewel of the crown of the king of England in Greece" to argue that the issue of the statue group is a matter of sovereignty.
The New York Times pointed out that the news of the cancellation of the meeting in Sunak immediately triggered the dissatisfaction of politicians of the Greek political party and caused a wave of criticism on social media, with many accounts condemning it as a diplomatic incident and a mini-diplomatic crisis between Greece and the United Kingdom.
The Guardian also quoted a Greek government spokesman, accusing Sunak of using the issue of the return of stone carvings with Greece to divert attention from Britain's internal affairs.
The spokesman said more bluntly that Sunak ’ s decision has the potential to damage Britain ’ s reputation in Europe, which is divided after Brexit.
A senior EU official also told The Guardian that cancelling the prime minister ’ s meeting and then sending the deputy prime minister to meet with the Greek prime minister would violate normal diplomatic procedures and damage Britain ’ s credibility.
He also said: "The United Kingdom, which wants to go global, cannot stop talking to friends about a problem that has existed for 200 years."
Another observer also pointed out that the British government is ahead of the serious refugee problem, and Greece is a member of the European Union that links Europe and the Mediterranean, which has important geopolitical significance.
Not only is there a diplomatic crisis, but the return of the stone carvings to the dispute may also bring about a domestic crisis for Sunak and the ruling party.
The New York Times reported that Britain will hold elections next year, and the ruling party is currently facing a long period of economic stagnation in the United Kingdom and divergent views on immigration policy. At this time, it has a conflict with Greece, which may make the question of the ownership of the statue an election point between the Labour Party and the Conservative Party.
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The controversy has broader implications for international relations and cultural diplomacy, with UNESCO attempting to mediate talks and advocates like Stephen Fry proposing innovative solutions such as virtual replicas.

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Content: Stephen Fry calls returning Elgin Marbles to Greece 'A classy thing at last'

THE ELGIN Marbles' return to Greece would be "a classy act" by the UK, says Stephen Fry.

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UK has 'no obligation' to return Elgin Marbles says Widdecombe

Greece has called for the repatriation of the collection of Elgin Marbles for more than 200 years – ever since they were taken from the Parthenon in 1802 on the order of Lord Elgin, Britain's then-ambassador to the Ottoman Empire. Mr Fry, who said he is "very keen" to see the sculptures be returned to Athens, has been the latest to join the debate over the home of the monumental artwork.

The actor and broadcaster suggested the marbles be replaced with a virtual experience.

He stressed that with modern technology the carvings can be replicated using lasers.

He said: "So the British Museum would have a Parthenon experience and you go in and see this fabulous technology using AR helmets or whatever you want to wear and you see how the originals were perfectly reproduced and out in place and you watch them being packed up and put on the train."

The sculptures, which sit at the London-based institution, have not been available to be publicly viewed for nearly a year due to ongoing maintenance work and the coronavirus pandemic.

The British Museum is to reopen its Greek galleries to the public on Monday, December 13.

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Critics argue the Elgin Marbles, which sit at the British Museum, should be repatriated to Greece (Image: Getty)

Mr Fry, 64, said: "I know a lot of people say 'we've looked after them' and it's certainly true we've looked after them, but it would be such a classy act.

"I promise you one million Athenians would come on to the street to welcome them.

"They mean so much to the Greeks, they are part of the nature of what Athens is."

The British Museum houses 15 metopes, 17 pedimental figures and 75 metres of the original frieze.

50 metres remain in Athens and other parts are in museums across Europe.

Comedian Stephen Fry called returning the artwork would be 'a classy act' from Britain's side (Image: Getty)

The sculptures have been a subject of debate ever since the were taken from Greece in 1802 (Image: Getty)

Mr Fry claimed a move such as returning the Elgin Marbles is what the country needs: "There would be a hand-shake ceremony and suddenly people would for once look at Britain and say that was a classy act.

"It would be a classy thing and Britain hasn't done a classy thing for some time."

Greek prime minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, speaking to the FT ahead of a foreign policy trip to the UK last month, said: "If I were in the PM's shoes and I were thinking out of the box in terms of global Britannia, and the idea of Britain really playing a role in the post-Brexit world, [it] would be a fantastic coup for public diplomacy if they were to look at this from a different perspective."

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Kyriakos Mitsotakis advocates for 'reunification' of Elgin Marbles

Greek prime minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has urged Boris Johnson to return the marbles to Athens (Image: Getty)

Then, during his visit to London, he urged Prime Minister Boris Johnson to return the priceless ancient sculptures to Greece, again presenting it as a chance for the UK to strengthen its Global Britain standing.

Mr Johnson has so far not shown signs he intends to return the Elgin Marbles.

Speaking to the Greek paper Ta Nea earlier this year, he claimed: "The UK government has a firm, longstanding position on the sculptures.

"They were legally acquired by Lord Elgin under the appropriate laws of the time and have been legally owned by the British Museum’s trustees since their acquisition."

This aligns with the view outlined on the British Museum’s website, which backs Lord Elgin's efforts to bring the marbles to the UK in the early 19th century: "His actions were thoroughly investigated by a parliamentary select committee in 1816 and found to be entirely legal, prior to the sculptures entering the collection of the British Museum by act of parliament."

While no resolution has been reached, ongoing discussions and recent repatriation agreements with other nations suggest potential pathways for resolving the dispute over the Elgin Marbles.

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Content: UK museums strike loan deal to return Asante Gold to Ghana that was looted over 100 years ago

25 January 2024, 07:25 | Updated: 25 January 2024, 07:27

By Jenny Medlicott

The UK is returning a selection of Asante Gold looted from Ghana over 100 years ago in a historic loan deal.

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The British Museum has struck a deal to return 15 pieces of the gold to Ghana and the Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A) 17 pieces, under a new three-year loan deal.

Loan deals are used as a way to enable collections to return to their countries of origin.

The Ghanian loan deal, which can be extended by an additional three years, was agreed with Otumfo Osei Tutu II, the current Asante king known as the Asantehene.

Some national museums in the UK, including the V&A and British Museum, are prohibited from permanently returning such items to their countries of origin.

The items will reportedly go on display at the Manhyia Palace Museum in Kumasi, the capital of the Asante region, to celebrate the Asantehene's silver jubilee.

Tristram Hunt, director of the V&A, said the gold items taken from the court of the Asante King are the equivalent of "our Crown Jewels".

Mr Hunt also said when museums "hold objects with origins in war and looting in military campaigns, we have a responsibility to the countries of origin to think about how we can share those more fairly today.

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"It doesn't seem to me that all of our museums will fall down if we build up these kind of partnerships and exchanges,” he told the BBC.

It is hoped the historic deal will pave the way for handling other repatriation disputes - potentially including the long-running dispute over the Elgin Marbles.

Ghana’s chief operation said he hoped the deal would bring a “a new sense of cultural co-operation” following years of anger.

However, some have expressed concern that accepting the items on loan could be seen as acceptance of the UK’s ownership of the contested items.

Most of the items were taken during 19th-century wars between the British and the Asante.

A sword of state and gold badges worn by officials charged with cleansing the soul of the king are among the items to be returned.

The artefacts are seen as a symbol of the Asante royal government and are believed to hold the spirits of former Asante kings.

As for other contested artefacts held by British museums, in the case of the Elgin Marbles, a senior British Museum has source said the museum was “still exploring if there is an arrangement that would allow some of the Parthenon sculptures to travel to Greece”.

It is hoped deals such as these could help provide a solution to former colonial nations requesting the return of their cultural treasures.