St-Louis archaeological society sells Egyptian treasure
The national leadership of the American Institute for Archaeology (AIA) has voiced its “deepest concern” over a planned sale on 2 October of ancient Egyptian “treasure” by a St Louis chapter of the organisation.
The AIA says it was not consulted before the collection, estimated to bring in £80,000-£120,000, was consigned to auction at Bonhams, London.
The Art Newspaper
October 1, 2014
© Archaeological Institute of America
“We are strongly opposed to the proposed sale”, says Ann Benbow, the executive director of the AIA, in an email to The Art Newspaper. “If [it] goes forward, it will tarnish the long-standing reputation of the AIA, which has a strong stance against the sale of antiquities… Archaeological artifacts should be cared for and made available for educational purposes, not put up for auction.”
Benbow adds that the AIA has “formally asked the St Louis Society not to go forward with the sale and are awaiting their response”.
Related articles
The Art Newspaper
- Egyptian royal jewels found stashed in bank vault (September 2014)
- Bolton Museum makes bid for 1.8 million pound Egyptology wing (June 2014)
- Egypt tracks down suspected looted works to Europe (June 2014)
- Egyptian artefacts recovered after looting, now in show in Cairo (May 2014)
- Looted marble Mask of Gorgon returned to Algeria (April 2014)
- Egypt museums hope grassroots fundraising will prove fertile (April 2014)
- Egyptian jewellery heist at Leicester museum kept quiet (January 2014)
- Egyptian museum has big plans despite cash crisis (October 2013)