FocusGeneva’s efforts to protect global cultural heritage

A success story in the fight against illicit traffic.

On 22 November 2016, the public prosecutor of Geneva confiscated nine archaeological works from Syria, Yemen and Libya that were stored in free ports from 2009 to 2010. The investigation began in April 2013, when the Federal Customs Administration conducted a routine inspection of free ports and found works it suspected were illegally obtained. In January 2015, an expert appointed by the Federal Office for Culture’s specialised unit on the international transfer of cultural property confirmed the authenticity and major cultural significance of the works. In February 2016, based on the Federal Office for Culture’s recommendation, the Customs Administration referred the case to the public prosecutor of Geneva, which opened criminal proceedings and confiscated the works. The evidence gathered during the investigation led the public prosecutor to conclude that the confiscated works had indeed been looted. Until they could be returned to their countries of origin, the public prosecutor of Geneva entrusted them to the scientific experts at the Musées d’art et d’histoire de la Ville de Genève for safekeeping and to make the public aware of this important seizure.

The Musées d’art et d’histoire responded, mobilising restorers to study and stabilize the works, which were then shown to the media and the public. From 14 March through late September 2017, the confiscated archaeological works will be shown for free to visitors to the Musée d’art et d’histoire for both educational and dissuasive purposes, to make society aware of the damage caused by the looting of cultural heritage. Some of the pieces are displayed alongside the crates in which they were illegally brought to Geneva after transiting through Doha. Though traffickers are very skilled at covering their tracks, this time they did not succeed. The fight against illicit traffic is being ramped up. Illegal networks are being dismantled little by little thanks to the extraordinary cooperation between professionals from the cultural sector, customs agencies, police, judiciary systems, INTERPOL and ICOM, under the auspices of UNESCO. The Geneva operation was a success as a result of the close coordination of all of these players.

The nine archeological works on display at the Musée d’art et d’histoire have incalculable historical and cultural value. However, they have been mutilated and deprived of their past, like any object ripped from its archaeological context. Illicit excavations are an attack on the human spirit of creativity and on the testimonies of history necessary for civilizations to move forward. As Jean-Yves Marin, director of the Musées d’art et d’histoire, says, “There are no people without a past. In every society, social cohesion is based on a common legacy. Heritage preservation must therefore be considered even during the offensive phase of a conflict, in order to prepare for the return of peace and reconciliation. No one can forget the striking images of the destruction of sites and museums in Yemen and Syria. Beyond the symbolic significance, it is a lucrative business fueling the European and North American markets.”

[1] © MAH, photo: F. Bevilacqua Funerary relief depicting a female portrait under a klinai Provenance: Syria, Palmyra First half of 2nd c. AD
[2] © MAH, photo: B. Jacot-Descombes Head of priest wearing a cylindrical modius Provenance: Syria, Palmyra 2nd – 3rd c. AD