Lucrative Loot: The Murky World of the Ancient Artifact Market
People like Patterson are euphemistically known as antiquities traders. But with a business model that is only half legal at best, the term dealer might be more accurate -- even if it is often difficult to prove wrongdoing. They profit from the fact that the immense market for archeological objects is split. On the one hand are the source countries, which are mostly poor and have passed laws against taking ancient objects out of the country -- but they often don't have the wherewithal to enforce the bans.
On the other hand are the rich countries where the collectors live. They could take action to stop the plundering, but they don't often do so. There simply isn't enough political pressure. After all, it isn't their cultural heritage that is being exploited. And the unappetizing elements of the business -- grave robbing and smuggling -- aren't taking place close to home.
People like Patterson are euphemistically known as antiquities traders. But with a business model that is only half legal at best, the term dealer might be more accurate -- even if it is often difficult to prove wrongdoing. They profit from the fact that the immense market for archeological objects is split. On the one hand are the source countries, which are mostly poor and have passed laws against taking ancient objects out of the country -- but they often don't have the wherewithal to enforce the bans.
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