Museums Issue Most-Threatened List of Iraqi Treasures
Ancient Artifacts Under Siege
As the Islamic State wreaks havoc across Iraq, a silent and irreplaceable victim has emerged: ancient cultural artifacts. In response, the International Council of Museums (ICOM) has compiled a most-threatened list of cultural objects particularly vulnerable to destruction and looting.
ICOM’s Emergency Red List for Iraq
ICOM’s Emergency Red List for Iraq identifies seven types of cultural objects under imminent threat:
- Stone tablets
- Ancient clay figurines
- Alabaster sculptures
- Pre-Islamic coins
- Manuscripts
- Jewelry
- Religious artifacts
These items, though not yet stolen, represent the types of goods protected by international laws and targeted by groups like the Islamic State.
Cultural Cleansing: A Strategy of Erasure
Jean-Luc Martinez, director of the Louvre Museum, describes the Islamic State’s actions as a “cultural cleansing” strategy aimed at erasing entire segments of human history. By destroying minority populations and priceless works of cultural heritage, the group seeks to obliterate the very fabric of Iraqi civilization.
Looting as a Funding Source
Looting plays a central role in financing the Islamic State’s operations. Experts estimate that stolen antiquities are the group’s second-largest source of revenue after oil. The illicit trafficking of cultural artifacts provides the organization with funds to purchase weapons, recruit fighters, and sustain its reign of terror.
International Collaboration to Combat Illicit Trafficking
ICOM collaborates with law enforcement agencies worldwide to track and recover stolen artifacts. The organization’s red lists have proven invaluable in assisting authorities in identifying and repatriating looted treasures. For example, a previous red list for Iraq helped recover 13 ancient Mesopotamian objects, while a similar list facilitated the recovery of thousands of stolen works from the National Museum of Afghanistan.
Preventing Destruction and Preserving Heritage
Protecting vulnerable cultural objects during conflicts is crucial for preserving human history and cultural diversity. Museums, governments, and international organizations play a vital role in safeguarding these treasures:
- Establishing Red Lists: Red lists provide a comprehensive overview of endangered cultural objects, aiding law enforcement in identifying and tracking stolen items.
- Enhancing Security Measures: Museums and archaeological sites should implement robust security measures to deter looting and protect artifacts.
- Raising Awareness: Public awareness campaigns can educate communities about the importance of protecting cultural heritage and the consequences of illicit trafficking.
- Supporting International Cooperation: Collaboration between nations is essential for combating cross-border trafficking and recovering stolen artifacts.
Success Stories in Artifact Recovery
ICOM’s red lists have had a tangible impact on the recovery of stolen artifacts. In 2012, a red list for Iraq helped authorities recover 13 ancient Mesopotamian objects that had been looted from sites around the country. Similarly, a red list for Afghanistan assisted in the recovery of thousands of stolen works from around the world after the looting of the National Museum of Afghanistan.
These success stories demonstrate the importance of international cooperation and the power of red lists in protecting endangered cultural objects. By working together, museums, law enforcement, and governments can safeguard the treasures of human history for generations to come.
