Cultural Property
Cultural property is a unique, nonrenewable resource that is important for learning about the diversity of human history and cultures. Common types of cultural property include archaeological artifacts, rare manuscripts, and objects used in ceremonies. These objects may be important for community identity and practices, recognized as part of a group’s cultural heritage, and protected by law or tradition. The Cultural Heritage Center plays a central role in developing U.S. policy and programs to protect cultural property from trafficking and promote the legal exchange of cultural property for international exhibitions and study.
Cultural Property Trafficking
Cultural property trafficking is organized criminal activity that threatens cultural heritage. Trafficking may include illegal excavation, theft, smuggling, and illicit trade. To obtain objects, criminals destroy archaeological sites, disturb graves, and steal from religious and cultural institutions. The United States is a leader in the fight against cultural property trafficking. The Cultural Heritage Center collaborates with law enforcement partners through the Cultural Antiquities Task Force.
How does the U.S. protect cultural property and promote legal access?
- Agreements with other countries that provide a framework for international collaboration.
- Import restrictions that prevent stolen objects from entering the United States.
- Programs that build capacity, strengthen site protection, enhance inventories, build professional networks, and engage communities.
- Policy and programs that promote temporary and long-term exchange of cultural property between countries for scientific, educational, and cultural purposes.
- Multilateral engagement that promotes U.S. policy on cultural property protection related to organized crime, climate change, sustainable development, and the rights of Indigenous Peoples.
- Support for Native Americans to repatriate ancestral remains and cultural items from international museum and gallery collections.
