The Contentious World of Antiquities

Yesterday, Egypt announced that its Antiquities Department had cut off ties with the Louvre. Egypt charges that the museum has refused to return ancient artifacts that Egypt says are stolen. Some of the world’s most cherished museums are embroiled in similar charges and lawsuits brought by countries where the disputed treasures originated thousands of years ago.

The history of the antiquities trade is a long and shady one, involving colonial-era pillaging, rampant tomb-robbing, Nazi looting, crooked dealing, and struggles for power and national identity. Debate continues over where ancient treasures belong – in the world’s most-visited museums, like the Louvre, or in their countries of origin, where conservation and security may be lax. Sharon Waxman is author of Loot: The Battle Over the Stolen Treasures of the Art World. Loot digs into the dark history and current controversies surrounding humanity’s ancient cultural treasures.

I spoke with Sharon Waxman when the book was first released. It's now out in paperback.