The Illicit Trade in Antiquities is not the world’s third-largest Illicit trade: a critical evaluation of a factoid

Donna Yates*, Neil Brodie

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

The claim that the illicit trade in antiquities is the third largest, second only to arms and narcotics, is widely repeated. But where does this claim originate and what is the evidence for its veracity? The authors present a ‘stratigraphic excavation’ of the claim by systematically searching through academic articles, popular press and policy literature to reveal the factoid's use and reuse over the past five decades. The authors find that the claim is not based on any original research or statistics, and it does not originate with any competent authorities. The analysis demonstrates how the uncritical repetition of unsubstantiated ‘facts’ can undermine legitimate efforts to prevent looting, trafficking and illicit sale of antiquities.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)991-1003
Number of pages13
JournalAntiquity
Volume97
Issue number394
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Aug 2023

Keywords

  • antiquities trade
  • cultural heritage
  • factoids
  • intellectual genealogy

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