In a groundbreaking initiative, ICOM and ICOM Greece, alongside the Hellenic Ministry of Culture, have unveiled the ICOM Red List of Greek Cultural Objects at Risk. This essential tool is crafted to combat the illicit trafficking of Greek cultural heritage by pinpointing cultural objects highly susceptible to illegal trade, thereby aiding law enforcement and cultural institutions in their protective efforts.
The Red List is a collaborative creation that benefits from the expertise of authorities in museums and law enforcement agencies. It extends ICOM’s long-standing commitment to safeguard cultural legacies, particularly Greece’s heritage, emphasizing the immediate necessity to defend this invaluable history from ongoing threats.
The cultural landscape of Greece is perilously impacted by theft and illicit transactions, with countless antiquities being smuggled from their native sites into global collections. Despite existing measures, the rampant issue of clandestine excavations continues, making the Red List an essential resource for responsible identification and action against the trafficking of at-risk cultural goods.
The purpose of the Red List is to raise awareness among a wide array of stakeholders, from customs officials to art buyers, spotlighting specific categories of cultural properties vulnerable to trafficking. This proactive undertaking has garnered respect and recognition worldwide, solidifying its role as a crucial tool in the fight against cultural heritage crimes.
Crafted with input from Greek archaeologists and museum specialists, the Red List comprises nine categories of at-risk cultural objects, adorned with photographic examples from prominent Greek museums. This initiative not only enhances local protective measures but also champions international collaboration to effectively mitigate the threat of illicit trafficking.
Accessible online, the Red List serves law enforcement and cultural heritage professionals globally, offering an authoritative point of reference to identify threatened objects and facilitate preventive action. Since 2000, the ICOM Red Lists have emerged as vital instruments in raising awareness and educating the international community about endangered cultural items, publishing 20 lists across 59 countries.
ICOM, in partnership with ICOM Greece and the Hellenic Ministry of Culture, has launched the ICOM Red List of Greek Cultural Objects at Risk to combat illicit trafficking. This resource identifies vulnerable cultural items, facilitating protective actions within law enforcement and cultural institutions. With input from experts, the list comprises nine categories and serves internationally as a vital reference for cultural heritage professionals and authorities.
The ICOM Red List of Greek Cultural Objects at Risk stands as a crucial initiative in the battle against illicit trafficking, highlighting the dangers facing Greece’s rich heritage. Through expert collaboration, it empowers authorities and institutions in their protective roles while advocating for a unified international response to protect cultural treasures. Ultimately, this Red List signifies a pivotal step in securing the future of Greece’s invaluable cultural legacy, reinforcing the importance of ongoing vigilance and cooperation.
Original Source: icom.museum
