Antiquities Smuggling Through US Ports

The Associated Press recently ran an article by Tamara Lush on the rise of antiquities smuggling through US ports.

The article by Lush states "smuggled goods are intercepted at U.S. airports and cargo ports. Sometimes Customs and Border Protection agents find antiquities in suitcases. At other times, agents will get tips about smuggled items from confidential informants or by trolling sites such as eBay."

The AP article continues "If agents are suspicious, they call academic experts for help. Carol Damian, interim director of the Frost Art Museum at Florida International University in Miami, said she's gotten a steady stream of calls in recent years to examine Pre-Colombian artifacts smuggled into South Florida. Sometimes the goods are fake, but occasionally, the rare treasures are breathtaking.

Lush does mention new museum guidelines which were enacted this past summer by the American Association of Museums which states institutions should make ownership history records publicly available for all ancient artifacts and all new property accessions should be fully researched and vetted. Given the amount of theft and demand for antiquities, it will take much more than new policies by museums to curb the thefts. But it is definitely a good start.

To read the full Associated Press article by Tamara Lush, click HERE.