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The trade in antiquities is a serious problem that confronts all nations. Unfortunately the problem has been highlighted in Southeast Asia, especially in Cambodia with the loss of many impressive Angkorian sculptures. The trade in antiquities is not restricted to impressive sculptural pieces but also more portable artefacts such as glass and stone beads, prehistoric tools and ceramics. The theft of these artefacts is just as damaging as the removal of sculpture from temples.

The beauty of historic and prehistoric artefacts attracts both serious collectors and souvenir hunters. While some dealers have a deep appreciation for the artistic and technical beauty of these artefacts many are motivated purely by profit. It is probably impossible to inform the latter of the damage they do but the former group may begin to understand that their form of appreciation causes irreparable damage. The archaeological record is destroyed as sites are looted. All knowledge of where artefacts came from is lost.

Heritage Watch is committed to preserving Cambodia's rich cultural heritage through education projects, tourism campaigns, and other means. You too can partcipate, by making a donation, signing our online petition, or learning more about the dangers facing Cambodia's artefacts, and what we're doing to help!

Please also visit our Heritage Friendly Tourism page where you can read all about this award-winning initiative.

"...the most effective measure now would be to sign more bilateral agreements with countries that are under assault from the antiquities trade..." - Roger Atwood.

Heritage Watch News

Art casualties from Tibet to Cambodia find an eager market

APRIL 5TH - Souren Melikian reported in the International Herald Tribune www.iht.com/articles/2008/03/28/arts/melik29.php on recent art sales.

In an excerpt she states ".....

Banteay Chhmar Restoration Plan

MARCH 24TH - The Cambodia Daily reported on March 25, 2008 that
a four-year plan to restore Banteay Chhmar temple was put into action under a cooperation between the Ministry of Culture and US-based Global Heritage Fund. GHF has contributed US$280,000 for 2008 and pledged to continue the funding in appropriate amount for the remaining three years. Culture Ministry Director General Ok Sophon said a full restoration of the 12th-century temple and its surrounding wall of bas reliefs will take about 20 years...

Cambodia Daily Reports Damage to Important Temple

MARCH 23RD - By Fergal Quinn
and Saing Soenthrith
The Cambodia Daily
Boribor district, Kompong Chhnang -

For over a thousand years the two main towers of Kompong Preah temple have stood, unconcerned by the passage of time.
The occasional traveler came to look at the quietly impressive floral designs carved on its lintels, but for most there is little here comparable to Angkor Wat or the Preah Vihear temple...

Government Requests Extension on Artefact Ban

FEBRUARY 13TH - The Cambodian government has requested that the US government extend a 2003 agreement restricting the import of Cambodian archaeological objects. The current agreement is set to expire on September 19th and covers objects dating from the 6th through the 16th centuries that are made of stone and metal.
The request to renew the agreement will go before the Cultural Property Advisory Committee made up of experts from Museums, the collector community and archaeologists...

L.A. Asian Antiquities Bust

FEBRUARY 1ST - The Mingei Museum, located in Balboa Park, was one of four California museums raided by federal authorities. They were investigating an art and antiquities smuggling ring. Investigators also raided the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the Pacific Asia Museum in Pasadena, and the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana.

Authorities suspect that all four of these museums came into possession of pieces that were illegally smuggled out of Southeast Asia...