License to sell : the legal trade of antiquities in Israel
Authors
Kersel, Morag Macdonald
Change log
Description
The objective of this study is to introduce reliable data to the protracted debate
concerning whether or not legally sanctioned antiquities markets can succeed as a
solution to the illicit trade in antiquities- a solution long proffered by the collecting and
dealing communities. Using the legal market in Israel as the case study this work
examines how this market developed, what effect its legal and illegal aspects have on
archaeological site destruction in Israel, Jordan, and the PA, and how these circumstances
impact archaeological practice. The current investigation is concemed principally with
establishing a connection between demand (the purchase of archaeological a1tifacts) and
the looting of archaeological sites.
Employing a production - distribution - consumption model of trade, this thesis
considers the competing stakeholders (archaeologists, collectors, dealers, government
employees, and museum professionals) and their respective claims to the disposition of
the cultural heritage. Based on this research, a relationship is established between the
looting of sites, thefts from museums and private collections, and the demand for
artifacts. Examples 'Such as the case study of a Bar Kokhba coin, and testimony from
archaeologists, dealers, and government employees clearly illustrate the link between
consumer demand for archaeological material and the supply chain supported through the
looting of archaeological sites.
Qualitative data gathered during the course of this project indicates that with
stricter laws, greater oversight, closer scrutiny of dealer inventories and registers,
policing of archaeological sites under threat, more control at border crossings, a more
ethical consumer base- one that refuses to purchase unprovenienced artifacts- and a
steady influx of chance finds and deacessioned material, a fully monitored legal market
may have the potential to succeed as a deterrent to looting. Whether or not such utopian
conditions could really exist remains to be examined in future research.
Collectors and dealers in ancient antiquities favour a legally sanctioned antiquities
market as a remedy that will satisfy all parties invested in cultural heritage protection.
This proposed solution from the primary focus of this research project.
Date
Advisors
Keywords
Qualification
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Awarding Institution
University of Cambridge