Summary:

Mirette Modarress-Sadeghi, Trade in cultural heritage – perspectives on heritage values of archaeological objects

This paper discusses cultural heritage issues and aspects of the illicit antiquities trade. Conceptions and values attached to archaeological heritage are scrutinized in the context of the late 19th and early 20th century. Iranian archaeological heritage is used as an example, specifically the looting of bronze objects from Lorestan (“Luristan bronzes”). Some remarks are made as to the present situation of internet sales of antiquities. Also, the concept of heritage is briefly considered. 

The interest of European and North American collectors and museums in possessing the objects of the newly “discovered” ancient civilizations of western Asia has affected greatly both the archaeological research and the heritage of the area. The colonialism of the 19th and early 20th century facilitated the exploitation of ancient artefacts. Western travelers spread European ideas/views of cultural objects as art, as well as of their monetary value, to Iran and other regions of the Middle East. Dealers started to exploit archaeological objects and encouraged the local villagers to loot ancient sites. Presently, illegal trade of antiquities has become a part of organized crime and has grown in volume all over the world. Internet sales have enabled sales with no oversight. Based on my research, a large part of the Luristan bronzes for sale in internet auctions do not indicate provenance or find-spot, and are presumably illicit. The label “Luristan bronze” is also misapplied to objects which are not from Lorestan or even from Iran.

Cultural heritage has varied meanings and values in different contexts. To educate and raise the awareness of the public about the values and meanings of heritage, and the negative aspects of the antiquities trade, are essential in order to better understand archaeological heritages and thereby preserve them for future generations.