Trafficking Culture

Trafficking Culture is a research consortium that produces evidence-based research into the contemporary global trade in looted cultural objects.
Our researchers, based at Maastricht University, Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington, and University of Glasgow, combine criminological and archaeological expertise. Our work is geographically diverse and interdisciplinary.
By conducting innovative quantitative and qualitative research we have established a body of reliable evidence that supports the formulation of effective cultural heritage protection policy. We are committed to raising awareness about these issues through social media, on-line education, and professional training.
Our book is available now: Trafficking Culture: New Directions in Researching the Global Market in Illicit Antiquities
Recent News

Yates will give a keynote at German Anthropological Association Meeting in Munich
24 Jul 2023
Dr Donna Yates will give a keynote at the German Anthropological Association Meeting in Munich for...

Emiline Smith on PODS by PEI podcast
11 Jul 2023
Dr Emiline Smith appeared on PODS by PEI podcast. In the episode, “PEI’s Khushi and...

Article by Emiline Smith on Hyperallergic
11 Jul 2023
Article “How a Stolen Nepali Statue Found Its Way Home” written by Dr Emiline Smith has...
Site Updates

Naranjo Stela 30
Stolen Maya sculpture seized by US Authorities when a crate carrying it broke open in the port of...

Dos Pilas Stela 17
Maya sculpture that was looted and partially recovered; some portions remain missing.

Piedras Negras Stela 9
Maya sculpture that was stolen in the 1960s and reappeared for sale in Paris in 2019.