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 speaks at “Preventing Art Crimes through Regulation and Self-Regulation”, Milan, 30 Sept.
18 Sep 2024
Dr Donna Yates will be participating in this event hosted by the UNESCO Chair on Business Integrity...

Yates presenting at Calouste Gulbenkian Museum summer school “Museums, Democracy and Citizenship”
18 Sep 2024
Dr Donna Yates will be participating in The Calouste Gulbenkian Museum’s...

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...
Site Updates
Marketing, Narratives, and Consumer Desire within Auction Catalogs of Cultural Objects
This article uses the lens of commodity theory and, in particular, the scarcity effect to consider...
Cultivating desire: touch and transgressive thrill in the art fair
This article builds a framework for understanding both the observable and unobservable features of...
Examination of Archaeological Attitudes toward the Publication of Unprovenanced Antiquities: The Example of Ancient Arms and Armor
This article explores archaeological practice as regards the study and publication of unprovenanced...
Scholarly facilitation of the illicit trade in cultural objects: providing a veneer of legitimacy
Cultural objects are sold via global, public networks, where market stakeholders rely on the...
What deters antiquities looting and trafficking?
This article contributes to the debate on illicit antiquities and deterrence. First, I briefly...