Ancient Art Theft Ring Busted – The Law You Need to Know! Item Number: 100002 $0.00

DescriptionThe Miami herald reported this week the arrest of 10 Cypriots involved in the smuggling of ancient treasures from Cyprus to the European mainland. The estimated value of the cache was in excess of $15 million!

Needless to say, we all know this type of nefarious activity is illegal, but the average collector probably does not really know or understand the laws pertaining to the protection of cultural property. Perhaps the best known, and maybe least understood of these laws is called the UNESCO Treaty. As a collector of ancient art (and even more importantly for us as dealers) it has become critical to understanding the meaning and impact of the UNESCO Treaty. In 1970, countries around the world joined together and created a far-reaching document to protect UN member countries from looting and illicit trafficking of ancient art and artifacts. The title of this meeting was: 1970 UNESCO CONVENTION ON THE MEANS OF PROHIBITING AND PREVENTING THE ILLICIT IMPORT, EXPORT AND TRANSFER OF OWNERSHIP OF CULTURAL PROPERTY. What resulted from it will forever change the way the world conducts trade of ancient art.

We do not recommend that you read or study this important document, but it is critical to understanding its basics. In a nutshell, the UNESCO Treaty makes it illegal to export items of cultural heritage from a country after they have signed the treaty, and it means that if you buy, sell, collect, or otherwise trade in articles of cultural property from foreign countries named on this list (meaning antiquities, ancient art and artifacts), you should make it your job to know which cut-off dates determine the legality of any piece of ancient art you buy or sell. Ancient items/cultural property whose exit date from the originating country is AFTER the date(s) listed herein, are not legally allowable for sale/trade in the USA, and should be avoided. The Dept. of Homeland Security is beefing up their efforts, and increasing pressure will be placed upon stricter compliance to the UNESCO Convention in the coming months.

For a complete listing of countries, along with corresponding importation dates used in determining whether cultural property can be legally bought and sold within the United States, click here.

Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear from you!
Bob Dodge