Osama Bin Laden and Ancient Art… What’s the Connection? Item Number: 100052 $0.00

DescriptionSeems most of the hubbub over the death of “public enemy number one” is finally dying down. For most of us, his passing is probably not going to change our thinking or behavior much at all. We’re certainly glad the guy has been caught, most probably won’t shed a tear at his death, but may have preferred a slightly different ending to this story – I know many folks who would have loved to see the guy bunking with Bubba in some mean-ass Federal prison, before being sent off to his 72 virgins. But out of all this, surely there may be a few things to absorb, so keep your eye out for a couple of trends that may impact the ancient art community.

First, almost comically, look for scam artists to play off the death of Bin Laden as a way to try to enhance the value of what may otherwise be nearly worthless trinkets. As an example, last week I noticed an eBay seller in Boston offering an item having once been owned by Bin Laden. In fact, one of the items was “taken by Navy Seals from the 3rd floor of this compound during the raid and given directly to this seller.” That fact, of course, increased the value of this item by a factor of 10 xs (if not more). But, since I have been blessed (or cursed) with a pretty decent memory, I happened to remember that this same object was actually listed unsuccessfully on eBay about a month before the raid. A quick email and this priceless historical treasure – along with “700 pieces of the cinderblock wall taken during this raid” were quickly and quietly removed from eBay. I made the mistake of letting the Boston seller know his tricks were too obvious, and now, like Bin Laden I have a “price on my head.” This is certainly not the first death threat I have acquired from this “enjoyable” passion of mine, but it is the first from a bona fide “Navy Seal!” The message here, don’t believe ANY story associating ancient art with Bin Laden. You have a much better chance of buying his porn collection…

Another trend I expect to see? Look for even more ancient items coming from Pakistan/Afghanistan. Interest in the artifacts from this region - Indus Valley, Gandhara, Bactria - has been rising along with the supply. As even more people show an interest in this region, the greater will be the demand of artifacts from “the land of Bin Laden” and someone will always be there to quench this demand. But be careful! Not only is it illegal to buy fresh goods coming in from either Pakistan or Afghanistan, a large number of cottage industries have sprung up over there selling half-way decent fakes. The vast majority of Indus Valley figures (human and animal) are already blatant fakes. Now expect to start seeing more colorful Indus Valley bowls, fine Gandharan grey schist Buddhas and Bactrian bronzes – all fake as $3 bills.

Despite the occasional risk to life and limb (and perhaps freedom), this is still about the most fun you can have outside the bedroom. Be careful, don’t taunt crazy eBay sellers, don’t buy illegal goods, and if it sounds (or looks) too good to be true – trust me – IT IS!

Sign me,
Bob(that guy with yet another target on his head)