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
REVITALISER project secures a budget of €1,500,000
04 Mar 2024
The Limassol-based Eratosthenes Centre of Excellence (ECoE) received a full mark score of 15/15 for...
Yates will give a keynote speech at “Dialogue with the art market” organised by the European Commission
15 Jan 2024
Dr Donna Yates will give a keynote speech on 30 January 2024 at event titled “Dialogue with...
Bērziņa took part in “la vente illégale sur le marché de l’art” conference organised by Anthemis.
13 Nov 2023
Diāna Bērziņa was part on an expert panel focusing on monitoring compliance with art market...
Site Updates
Maya Ceramic Vessels Abandoned in a Florida Airport in 1983
Fifty-five Maya-style vessels that were flown into the USA on a private plane and that no one...
Between Crime and Commemoration: Human–Object Relationships in the Treasure Hunting for World War II Objects
Abstract Drawing on the sample of data gathered from Russian treasure hunting forums and from...
Reputation laundering and museum collections: patterns, priorities, provenance, and hidden crime
Abstract Provenance research in museums has traditionally been reactive and focused on singular...