Cultural Heritage Protection & Reporting
At the Antiquity Preservation Fund, we are committed to the ethical and responsible acquisition, curation, and stewardship of cultural heritage artifacts. As part of our mission we carefully monitor the antiquities market for signs of illicit activity. Any such activity is immediately reported to the relevant authorities.
Recent Reports & Interventions
Reported Sale of Anthropomorphic Hydria
A small auction in France was selling a very rare Anthropomorphic Hydria with 1990 provenance. We reported this to the Department of Antiquities, they confirmed receiving our report but did not find that the artifact was being sold illegally. To preserve the artifact and bring it back to public hands we purchased it in late march.
Reported Illegal Sale of Classical Votive Bust
During our routine monitoring of online auction sites, we came across a listing for a Classical Votive Bust being sold from Nicosia, Cyprus. Recognizing that such sales are prohibited under Cypriot law, we promptly notified the Department of Antiquities about this potentially illicit activity. The Department has acknowledged receipt of our report and has assured us that they are actively investigating the matter. We remain committed to collaborating with the relevant authorities to combat the illegal trade of cultural heritage objects and to ensure that these treasures are preserved for future generations.
Reported Jug with Lacking Provenance
During our routine monitoring of online auction sites, we came across a listing for a Black on Redware Juglet being sold in Australia. The object was lacking provenance and did not specify it came from Cyprus, making it difficult for the Department of Antiquities auction teams to find. We reported this on the 15th of October and it was scheduled to be sold on the 26th of October.
Reported Suspected Looted Jug
During our routine monitoring of online auction sites, we came across a listing for a Bichrome Oinochoe being sold in the UK on a large consumer auction site. The object was lacking provenance and had many signs of being looted such as being covered in dirt and being only offered vague provenance when questioned. Items on extremely large auction sites are difficult to track down for the Department of Antiquities. The Jug was reported on the 28th of October with a sale date on the 3rd of November.