Monday, 7 December 2015

"We encourage the sale of ethically‑acquired Native American arts and crafts"


These words from Evan Ryan Assistant Secretary for Educational and Cultural Affairs in the US Department of State ('Statement on Paris Auction of Native American Objects') could equally apply to ancient coins and artefacts dugup and smuggled into the US:
In the absence of clear documentation and consent from affected tribes, these cultural objects should never be sold. The cultural patrimony of Native American tribes must not change hands in a mere business transaction. To be clear, we do not wish to eliminate the market for all Native American arts.  We encourage the sale of ethically‑ acquired Indian (sic) arts and crafts as a way of sharing the beauty and richness of Native American culture and providing economic opportunities to artists.  That is the right way for potential buyers and sellers to enjoy and respect indigenous art and traditions. 
Trying to present calls for ethical collecting  as a call to "ban the trade" totally are just manipulation. Don't let the Black Hat Manipulators of the Antiquities Market get away with it.

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