The issues – cultural property (2024)

Cultural property in conflict zones

During the last decade, our world has witnessed a considerable increase in the destruction of cultural heritage due to armed conflict. This has been accompanied by the organized looting, illicit trafficking and sale of cultural objects that were an integral part of a country’s heritage, history and identity.

Crimes against cultural heritage do not just strike at objects. The destruction of heritage is linked to persecution of individuals and communities on cultural grounds. This can also represent a security and stability issue, and a war crime.

Cultural heritage is also underwater

Underwater cultural heritage includes monuments, shipwrecks and artefacts, which have been under water for at least 100 years.

These sites are exposed daily to a range of critical challenges, notably plunder, trade, fishing and the extraction of natural resources. In addition, underwater archaeological sites are regulated by extremely different national legislations worldwide.

Which objects are most frequently stolen?

The majority of art thefts are carried out from private homes but museums and places of worship are also common targets. The type of objects stolen varies from country to country but generally speaking, paintings, sculptures, statues and religious items are very sought after by thieves.

However, no category is spared, including such antique items as artifacts, books, furniture, coins, weapons and gold and silverware.

Illicit excavation of items

Another phenomenon is the illicit excavation of archaeological and paleontological items. This is especially disturbing since it can damage historical sites and reduce the opportunity to know more about them – when an item is removed from its site, its scientific value is lost and it holds only economic value.

Fake art and artifacts on the market

Fake works of art pollute the legitimate market. The problem of the enormous amount of forgeries flooding into the market is an extremely complex phenomenon, and disrupting networks involved in it requires a high level of expertise.

“We are witnessing an alarming increase in the traffic of fake cultural objects from conflict zones.” Corrado Catesi, Head of INTERPOL’s programme against cultural heritage crimes

The information we have collected during international meetings and conferences, as well as confidential data we received through our secure network, show a rapid rise in the number of fake historical artifacts.

The issues – cultural property (2024)

FAQs

The issues – cultural property? ›

Some of these issues include: Ownership, including whether heritage belongs to the world or to the group (or groups) who identifies with or claims it. Cultural appropriation. Digitization and copying.

What are examples of cultural properties? ›

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.

Why is destroying cultural property against the law? ›

Cultural property in conflict zones

Crimes against cultural heritage do not just strike at objects. The destruction of heritage is linked to persecution of individuals and communities on cultural grounds. This can also represent a security and stability issue, and a war crime.

What is the destruction of cultural property? ›

States may intentionally target and destroy cultural heritage both for financial gain (through looting and trafficking) and to systematically erase a community's collective identity. Such destruction can be utilized to subjugate a society and rewrite its history; ultimately, it is about power.

Why is protecting cultural property important? ›

In addition to helping to uphold the Responsibility to Protect populations from mass atrocities, a comprehensive approach for the protection of cultural heritage also has important implications for peacebuilding and post-conflict reconciliation.

What is the meaning of cultural property? ›

This definition reads: 'cultural property means property which, on religious or secular grounds, is specifically designated by each State as being of importance for archaeology, prehistory, history, literature, art or science. '

What is another word for cultural property? ›

Cultural property, also known as cultural patrimony, comprises the physical items that are part of the cultural heritage of a group or society, as opposed to less tangible cultural expressions.

What is cultural damage? ›

Culturicide involves the eradication and destruction of cultural artifacts, such as books, artworks, and structures. The issue is addressed in multiple international treaties, including the Geneva Conventions and the Rome Statute, which define war crimes associated with the destruction of culture.

What is the cultural property law in the United States? ›

Cultural property law is the body of law that protects and regulates the disposition of culturally significant material, including historic real property, ancient and historic artifacts, artwork, and intangible cultural property.

What are examples of cultural genocide? ›

Such cases include the destruction of cultural and religious heritage in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the forced removals of Aboriginal children in Australia and Canada, and the case law of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights in relation to Indigenous and tribal groups' cultural destruction.

What are the major cultural threats? ›

The threats to cultural heritage sites include earthquakes, atmospheric interactions, rainfall-induced land movement, gravity pushing, land use changes, and climate change.

What is tangible cultural property? ›

"Tangible Cultural Properties" collectively refer to cultural products with a tangible form that possess high historic, artistic, and academic value to Japan, such as structures, crafts, sculptures, calligraphic works, classical books, paleography, archaeological artifacts, and historic materials.

What is cultural destructive? ›

◆ Cultural destructiveness is characterized by attitudes, policies, structures, and practices. within a system or organization that are destructive to a cultural group. ◆ Cultural incapacity is the lack of capacity of systems and organizations to respond.

What is an example of a cultural property? ›

Definition: Cultural property refers to movable and immovable objects that hold cultural significance. This can include ancient artifacts, monuments, fine arts, decorative arts, and architecture.

What is the four tier approach to protecting cultural property? ›

The value of heritage needs to be recognized and heritage itself needs to be protected at four levels: the local, national, regional, and international.

What is special protection of cultural property? ›

The 1954 Convention provides a system of 'special protection'. The placing of cultural property under special protection grants that property immunity from any act of hostility, and from any use, including that of its surroundings, for military purposes (CCP, Art. 9).

What are the properties of culture? ›

Culture has five basic characteristics: It is learned, shared, based on symbols, integrated, and dynamic. All cultures share these basic features.

What are traditional cultural properties? ›

A traditional cultural property, then, can be defined generally as one that is eligiblefor inclusion in the National Register because of its association with cultural practicesor beliefs of a living community that (a) are rooted in that community's history, and (b)are important in maintaining the continuing cultural ...

What are the 10 cultural values and examples? ›

People who research culture have determined that there are 10 dimensions of cultural value that are helpful when comparing one culture to another.
  • Identity: Individualist vs. ...
  • Authority: High vs. ...
  • Risk: High vs. ...
  • Achievement: Cooperative vs. ...
  • Time: Punctuality vs. ...
  • Communication: Direct vs. ...
  • Lifestyle: Doing vs.
Sep 24, 2015

What are some examples of cultural traits? ›

Examples of cultural traits can be as broad as a shared language or religion, or more specific, like the ways communities celebrate certain events and milestones. Wearing costumes on Halloween is a cultural trait that has roots in a traditional Irish holiday.

Top Articles
Is screenshotting pictures illegal? - Exchange Media Group
10 Platforms That Pay Users to Learn About Crypto
Euro (EUR), aktuální kurzy měn
What spices do Germans cook with?
How Many Cc's Is A 96 Cubic Inch Engine
Autozone Locations Near Me
Our History | Lilly Grove Missionary Baptist Church - Houston, TX
Strange World Showtimes Near Amc Braintree 10
Becky Hudson Free
Tight Tiny Teen Scouts 5
Turbocharged Cars
Things To Do In Atlanta Tomorrow Night
Sports Clips Plant City
Who called you from 6466062860 (+16466062860) ?
Used Drum Kits Ebay
Destiny 2 Salvage Activity (How to Complete, Rewards & Mission)
How To Cancel Goodnotes Subscription
Hanger Clinic/Billpay
How pharmacies can help
Vintage Stock Edmond Ok
Stardew Expanded Wiki
Sprinkler Lv2
Bernie Platt, former Cherry Hill mayor and funeral home magnate, has died at 90
Powerschool Mcvsd
Lacey Costco Gas Price
Marokko houdt honderden mensen tegen die illegaal grens met Spaanse stad Ceuta wilden oversteken
Claio Rotisserie Menu
Gma' Deals & Steals Today
How do you get noble pursuit?
Angel Haynes Dropbox
Dexter Gomovies
Housing Intranet Unt
Fastpitch Softball Pitching Tips for Beginners Part 1 | STACK
Mrstryst
Mkvcinemas Movies Free Download
How to Use Craigslist (with Pictures) - wikiHow
P3P Orthrus With Dodge Slash
Devin Mansen Obituary
Mistress Elizabeth Nyc
Priscilla 2023 Showtimes Near Consolidated Theatres Ward With Titan Luxe
Eastern New Mexico News Obituaries
Koninklijk Theater Tuschinski
Rush Copley Swim Lessons
Random Animal Hybrid Generator Wheel
60 Days From May 31
Embry Riddle Prescott Academic Calendar
Hawkview Retreat Pa Cost
Kjccc Sports
Nurses May Be Entitled to Overtime Despite Yearly Salary
4Chan Zelda Totk
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Rev. Porsche Oberbrunner

Last Updated:

Views: 5966

Rating: 4.2 / 5 (53 voted)

Reviews: 92% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Rev. Porsche Oberbrunner

Birthday: 1994-06-25

Address: Suite 153 582 Lubowitz Walks, Port Alfredoborough, IN 72879-2838

Phone: +128413562823324

Job: IT Strategist

Hobby: Video gaming, Basketball, Web surfing, Book restoration, Jogging, Shooting, Fishing

Introduction: My name is Rev. Porsche Oberbrunner, I am a zany, graceful, talented, witty, determined, shiny, enchanting person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.