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This Encyclopedia constitutes a preliminary source of case studies that reveal aspects of the transnational illicit trade in cultural objects.

Each entry synthesizes information taken from what are considered to be reliable sources, and presents a bibliography of primary publications to facilitate further research. We endeavour to prepare texts that are factually accurate and objective accounts, and the texts are not indicative of an author’s personal opinion.

The Encyclopedia is a work in progress, and new entries will be added (and current entries updated as appropriate) as time permits. The authors endeavour to attribute any images that are used, but we should be contacted by the owners of unattributed images.

Fano Bronze

Fano Bronze

The Fano Bronze is a bronze statue currently owned by the J. Paul Getty Museum (Victorious Youth, 77.AB.30) but subject to an Italian claim for repatriation.

Valdivia Figurine in the National Museum of the American Indian

Valdivia Figurines

Extensively looted and faked figurines from sites in Ecuador’s coastal lowlands.

Red Sandsetone Jina

Vaman Ghiya

Indian antiquities dealer accused of selling stolen antiquities through Sotheby’s.

Museo arqueológico nacional de España (wiki commons)

Várez Fisa Collection

 Collection of José Luis Várez Fisa donated to the National Archaeological Museum of Spain in 1999.

Vibia Sabina

Vibia Sabina Statue

A 2nd century Roman statue looted from Italy, acquired by the Boston Museum of Fine Arts in 1979, and returned to Italy in 2006.