Looting of cultural heritage is as old as humanity itself


By AGENCY
  • Arts
  • Tuesday, 10 Nov 2020

Since Paris's Notre-Dame cathedral was severely damaged by fire in April last year, thieves have been trying to make off with stones from the site of the reconstruction. Photo: AP

From ancient mosaics to world-famous canvasses - the trafficking of cultural treasures has gathered pace during the coronavirus pandemic with criminals increasingly conducting the trade online.

Lockdowns worldwide have left museums and archaeological sites abandoned, often barely guarded, their artefacts vulnerable to thieves who often use social media platforms to sell on stolen goods.

Subscribe now to our Premium Plan for an ad-free and unlimited reading experience!

Theft , Art , Antiques , Pandemic , Van Gogh

   

Next In Culture

Giant plastic-spewing artwork unveiled for Paris talks against waste
Month-long MyDance Festival packs a diverse, lively schedule for the masses
Why 'American Born Chinese' took 17 years to adapt, according to creator Gene Luen Yang
French painter goes back to black in soul-searching art exhibition in KL
Leipzig Opera House meets the future with the world’s first AI ballet
Beans and violins - orchestra blends classical roots with modern Nigeria
Landmark exhibit of Orientalist art to open at Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia
Pierce Brosnan unveils deeply personal paintings in first art exhibit in LA
Danish master artists prepped canvases with leftovers from brewing beer
Turning up the volume on Malaysian rock music history

Others Also Read