People and Politics Forum 31. 07. 2009

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Looted Iraqi Treasure: Babylonian Artifacts in German Auction Houses

Illegal trade in cultural treasures from ancient Babylon is on the increase in Germany. It's a million-dollar business, and customs and investigators are powerless to control it. The millennia-old Iraqi artifacts have usually been looted by Iraqis but US soldiers have also stolen from the war-torn country.

Our Question is:

"Should the trade in all artefacts of unclear origin be banned?"

Gerhard Seeger, in the Philippines, supports a hard-fisted policy:

"Items of unclear origin are without doubt generally stolen goods,and dealing with them is a punishable offence. That must also apply to the arts trade. A tough line is probably taken when it comes to small-time crooks, but works of art are expensive and are often worth many millions, and only the rich - and therefore influential - can afford them, including an army of lawyers who intimidate government officials. Responsibility is just pushed backwards and forwards, in the hope that the whole thing will just fade away.. I believe that all artefacts must be repatriated to their countries of origin."

In Venezuela, Paul Stadelmann, goes a step further:

"It would be more logical to to close most of Europe`s museums before returning the artefacts."

In Germany, Michael Müller-Karpe, says it is also about image and self-esteem:

"There should be a clear ban on trading in dubious archaeological finds. It would only help to boost Germany's image as a nation of culture if the word spreads abroad that Germany is no longer enriching itself through the pillaging and looting of cultural heritage - on the soil of its trading partners..."

A clear "yes" from René Junghans, a regular viewer in Brazil...

".. and not just when it comes to art, the ban should apply to all products of dubious origin. And dealers, who are basically criminal go-betweens, should also face prison and have their businesses shut down. Buyers should also face legal sanctions. You need tough action to end this illicit trade. It's a disgrace that ancient tombs, museums and churches are being pillaged for profit in affluent countries. But the biggest disgrace lies with those who purchase such objects... Objects of art and artefacts should only be sold in certified shops with a bill and documentation of origin."

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