Experts from Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama have prepared the Red List of Endangered Cultural Objects of Central America and Mexico in order to combat looting and destruction of regional archaeological sites and theft from churches and museums, as well as illegal trafficking, thus helping police, judicial and customs authorities in their work, building public awareness and promoting international cooperation to protect the cultural heritage of these countries.
THE RED LIST INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING CATEGORIES :
(These photographs are not reproductions of stolen objects; rather they are examples of the categories of cultural objects that are traded illegally.)
PREHISPANIC PERIOD
COLONIAL AND REPUBLICAN PERIODS
Context
The cultural heritage of Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua,
Costa Rica and Panama consists of items that may be identified by their specific
characteristics. They were produced by various prehispanic, colonial and republican
societies, and represent the historic memory of these nations.
The rich cultural heritage of these countries is affected by illegal trafficking, despite
being protected by national and international legislation. Over the past twenty years, illegal
exports of cultural objects have been intercepted, proving the increased interest in antiquities
on the international market. This demand has encouraged clandestine diggings in
archaeological sites, as well as increased theft from churches and museums.
Illegal trafficking of cultural objects from the region causes irreparable damage to the
identity of these countries and is a severe cultural heritage loss for mankind.
Objective
This Red List has been designed as a tool to help museums, art traders, collectors and
customs and police officers in the identification of objects that may have been illegally exported
from Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and
Panama. The list describes several categories of endangered objects that may be subject
to illicit trade.
Because of the wide range of objects, shapes, styles and periods, the Red List of Endangered
Cultural Objects of Central America and Mexico is not exhaustive, and the origin of any antiquity
from the region should be subject to detailed scrutiny and precautionary measures.
These objects are protected by legislation in each country, which specifically prohibits
their traffic, export and sale. Therefore, museums, auction houses, art traders and
collectors are urged not to purchase them, and are invited to report their presence to the
relevant country's diplomatic mission, to local police authorities and to Interpol.
Note: The images in this publication are of objects held by national
museums; they are published here as a comparison guide to help
identify objects that may be subject to illegal trafficking.