Time Crime: The Transnational Organization of Art and Antiquities Theft

• NCJ Number: 223736
• Journal: Journal of Contemporary Criminal Justice Volume: 24 Issue: 3 Dated: August 2008 Pages: 243-262
• Author(s): David C. Lane; David G. Bromley; Robert D. Hicks; John S. Mahoney
• Date Published: August 2008
• Length: 20 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Issue Overview
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This article analyzes the market that is fueling the looting of art and antiquities in terms of its supply and demand components as well as the social-control component.

Abstract

From a market supply perspective, the magnitude of the current illicit-antiquities market is enhanced by the large number of sites, the accessibility and vulnerability of those sites, and the incentive to exploit their contents. The incentive comes from the demand for these cultural items, which has a long history, much of it related to power inequalities related to periods of colonial expansion and war. The global dominance of Western nations in the latter half of the 20th century produced upper middle and upper classes motivated to display their socioeconomic status by possessing art objects of value. In addition, the emergence of the international market increased the value of art and antiquities, heightening interest in them as investment commodities. The demand for art and antiquities also came from well-financed museums, primarily in the West. Although laws and regulatory systems have attempted to control the supply-demand nexus in order to prevent looting and the selling of illegally obtained art and antiquities, they have had limited effectiveness due to corruption, unwillingness to enforce laws in place, and fragmentation of the control process. Further, the demand is such that buyers choose to ignore or collude in concealing the illegal origin of artifacts. A purchase source that is reputable provides added assurance that the names of purchasers will not be revealed, which protects buyers in cases where the legitimacy of objects is questionable. Complex econometric models may be required in order clarify the varieties of trafficking derived from shifting values attached to artifacts from an increasing variety of consumers with multiple motivations and goals. 12 notes and 57 references