Definition: The illegal trafficking of artifacts and antiquities is a multi-billion dollar industry, third in terms of dollars earned behind the illegal traffic in drugs and weapons. The first international steps protecting antiquities were taken in 1970, when 70 countries signed UNESCO's Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property. The laws have not found a lot of support, however. For example, the Code of Ethics of the International Council of Museums published in 1986, which stipulate that museums must be able to obtain a valid title to any object they acquire, has not as yet been enforced.
This glossary entry is part of the Dictionary of Archaeology. Sources for the term include the references listed on the front page of the Dictionary, and the websites listed in the sidebar.
This glossary entry is part of the Dictionary of Archaeology. Sources for the term include the references listed on the front page of the Dictionary, and the websites listed in the sidebar.
