The spoils of war: how the law interprets ownership of plundered artifacts

Article Abstract:

Legal issues concerning art treasures stolen during war may involve the law of the place where the object is found, law of the country of the object's origin, law of the country from which it was stolen, bilateral or multilateral treaties and other aspects of international law. Recent cases include the collection of medieval art which a US soldier named Joe T. Meador removed from a mine shaft in Quedlinburg in 1945; Byzantine mosaics stolen after Turkey's 1974 invasion of Cyprus, which were recovered from an Indianapolis art dealer; and the Sevso Treasure, which was claimed by Lebanon, Croatia and Hungary after Sotheby's announced its pending auction.

Laws, regulations and rules, Art treasures in war

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Stealing China's past: the People's Republic reports a hemorrhage of artifacts

Article Abstract:

Threats to cultural property in the People's Republic of China come from theft, development and inadequate resources for conservation. Over 40,000 tomb robberies were reported in 1989-90, according to the State Bureau of Cultural Relics. There are not enough archaeologists and conservators, and many items in museums are damaged because of inadequate storage. Between 1981 and 1989 customs officials confiscated 70,226 items being smuggled out of China. As interest in private collecting is increasing, however, many Chinese antiquities may eventually be bought back by prosperous citizens.

China, Theft, Cultural property, Protection of, Cultural property protection

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Spoils of war

Article Abstract:

The large scale plunder of ancient artifacts from Iraq's museums following the Gulf War raises serious questions on the coalition forces' sincerity about preserving Iraq's heritage. This situation is no different from previous ones, where warfare fuels the global trade for looted antiquities.

Iraq, Protection and preservation, Art thefts

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