It must take awhile for movies to get down to Belize. It's been out for years, but now an archaeologist, purportedly acting on behalf of that nation's government, is suing the owners of the Indiana Jones franchise for their alleged unauthorized use of a facsimile of an artifact from that country.
According to press reports, "Scientist Jaime Awe claims Hollywood hot shots used a model of the swiped Belizean relic in the 2008 flick, �Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull� to rake in 'illegal profits.'�
Of course, he now wants a piece of the action, i.e., a portion of the Crystal Skull Movie's $378 million profit, for the Central American country.
In so doing, Awe and Belize seem to be taking a page from Zahi Hawass and Egypt who hoped to copyright the pyramids and rake in even larger sums.
Leaving aside the dubious merits of this lawsuit, I have to assume this news is a bit embarrassing for Harrison Ford, a.k.a "Indiana Jones," who is a past AIA Trustee.
And which side will the AIA take in this dispute? The downtrodden and exploited country of Belize or the Hollywood hot shots who have helped promote archaeology?
And will SAFE and other hard liners be telling the AIA "we told you so" for its efforts to promote the movie and make its leading man an AIA Trustee?
Showing posts with label Zahi Hawass. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Zahi Hawass. Show all posts
Egyptian Administrative Court Orders Return of Artifacts on Display in US
An Egyptian administrative court has ruled that objects in a US travelling exhibition should be returned home because they improperly left the country. Former Egyptian antiquities Pharaoh Hawass has been charged with corruption based on his links to this exhibit. It's unclear if Egyptian authorities believe that Hawass skimmed any of the money from the travelling show or they solely claim that improper procedures were followed in allowing the artifacts to be exhibited abroad.
It is clear that this action will cause headaches for Hawass' friends in the US, including National Geographic. (The Rupert Murdoch connection in the article is unclear, though presumably it relates to the National Geographic Cable TV channel.) Before the revolution, National Geographic was paying Hawass as much as $200,000 per year for being an "explorer in residence."
The US Government has been very aggressive in seeking the repatriation of Egyptian artifacts, but seemingly uninterested in determining if there have been any financial improprieties related to payments for this exhibit. Given the money involved, one would think there should be some investigation even if it would by necessity look at Hawass' friends associated with the archaeological lobby.
It is clear that this action will cause headaches for Hawass' friends in the US, including National Geographic. (The Rupert Murdoch connection in the article is unclear, though presumably it relates to the National Geographic Cable TV channel.) Before the revolution, National Geographic was paying Hawass as much as $200,000 per year for being an "explorer in residence."
The US Government has been very aggressive in seeking the repatriation of Egyptian artifacts, but seemingly uninterested in determining if there have been any financial improprieties related to payments for this exhibit. Given the money involved, one would think there should be some investigation even if it would by necessity look at Hawass' friends associated with the archaeological lobby.
Labels:
Egypt,
National Geographic,
poor stewardship,
Repatriation,
Zahi Hawass
I Am Egyptian Antiquities
So says Zahi Hawass, who is apparently even now is planning his return as Egypt�s Antiquities Pharaoh. Never mind the stink of corruption, cronyism, and disdain for ordinary Egyptians. Apparently, some think Egypt�s problems in attracting tourists to a country beset by the prospect of violence can be solved by returning Hawass to his post. Not likely. And one hopes Hawass� hopes for a return are just that.
US Government Appeals SLAM Decision
The US Government has appealed the decision to dismiss its effort to seek the forfeiture of the Ka Nefer Nefer Mask. It has been reported such decisions are made by the same US State Department and Customs and Border Protection cultural bureacracy responsible for imposing import restrictions. If so, one wonders if the appeal is at least in part an effort to throw a lifeline to Zahi Hawass, who after all has sought to bolster his position with the Egyptian Government through being "indispensible" for the protection of Egyptian cultural property.
Richard Engel on Egyptian Looting: Does Video Match Reality?
Richard Engel of NBC News has produced a piece that reflects the views of Egypt�s cultural bureaucracy under the old guard in the person of Zahi Hawass and his allies in the American archaeological community.
Yet, does Engel�s reporting really match the reality on the ground or just the propaganda of Egypt�s discredited cultural bureaucracy, which must be desperate to justify itself to Egypt�s new Islamic rulers?
The real issues are that there are no police to protect the sites, the people are desperately poor, and the Egyptian cultural bureaucracy wants to control more than they can or should (even what you find under your own house!).
One should also note for all the talk about criminal looters from Hawass (allegedly a crook on a much larger scale -- a subject Engel studiously avoided broaching) and an American archaeologist, all I saw were locals looking for stuff presumably to feed their impoverished families.
Perhaps in the complete absence of police American archaeologists should pay for local security guards to protect their sites. Their salaries can't cost all that much. I'm also mystified how looters can find a previously unknown tomb and loot it overnight on a site that has apparently been under archaeological investigation for years. Perhaps now unemployed diggers for American archaeologists knew about the tomb for years, but did not to divulge it to them out of distrust of foreign archaeologists who would take these treasures from them.
Yet, does Engel�s reporting really match the reality on the ground or just the propaganda of Egypt�s discredited cultural bureaucracy, which must be desperate to justify itself to Egypt�s new Islamic rulers?
The real issues are that there are no police to protect the sites, the people are desperately poor, and the Egyptian cultural bureaucracy wants to control more than they can or should (even what you find under your own house!).
One should also note for all the talk about criminal looters from Hawass (allegedly a crook on a much larger scale -- a subject Engel studiously avoided broaching) and an American archaeologist, all I saw were locals looking for stuff presumably to feed their impoverished families.
Perhaps in the complete absence of police American archaeologists should pay for local security guards to protect their sites. Their salaries can't cost all that much. I'm also mystified how looters can find a previously unknown tomb and loot it overnight on a site that has apparently been under archaeological investigation for years. Perhaps now unemployed diggers for American archaeologists knew about the tomb for years, but did not to divulge it to them out of distrust of foreign archaeologists who would take these treasures from them.
Egypt Elects Muslim Brotherhood Leader Mohamed Morsi as President
The Egyptian people have spoken. In so doing, they have rejected the old guard, and instead have embraced a sectarian candidate. Some of his rhetoric has been troubling, but it is unclear if his Muslim Brotherhood intends to rule Egypt as Ahmadinezhad�s Iran or Erdogan�s Turkey.
And what will the transition hold for Egyptian antiquities? The rejection of the old guard is probably bad news for Zahi Hawass, who presumably still faces corruption charges. But it also remains to be seen if government funding for Egypt�s antiquities will be maintained (it should) or whether the cultural bureaucracy will be allowed to maintain its absolute control over everything and anything old (it shouldn�t.).
And what will the transition hold for Egyptian antiquities? The rejection of the old guard is probably bad news for Zahi Hawass, who presumably still faces corruption charges. But it also remains to be seen if government funding for Egypt�s antiquities will be maintained (it should) or whether the cultural bureaucracy will be allowed to maintain its absolute control over everything and anything old (it shouldn�t.).
More Looting in Egypt- But is the Prescription More of the Same?
The AP has filed this report on looting in Egypt. See http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/egypt-turmoil-thieves-hunt-pharaonic-treasures-16334929#.T66C0_F5mSM
Yet, branding poor people who dig under their own houses as "thieves" and calling for more repressive measures probably won't solve the problem. Perhaps, the real issue is that the Egyptian State's Pharaonic approach to these issues confuses control with conservation to the detriment of the latter.
Speaking of lawbreaking, the article-- which apparently is based totally on information from archaeologists and Egyptian cultural bureaucrats-- nowhere discusses the status of the case against former Egyptian antiquities chief Zahi Hawass, who has been charged with antiquities theft and corruption.
If Egyptian authorities insist on prosecuting the poor for "antiquities theft" shouldn't they also take a similarly hard line against Dr. Hawass, who, after all, was one of the major proponents of such repressive measures when he was in charge?
Yet, branding poor people who dig under their own houses as "thieves" and calling for more repressive measures probably won't solve the problem. Perhaps, the real issue is that the Egyptian State's Pharaonic approach to these issues confuses control with conservation to the detriment of the latter.
Speaking of lawbreaking, the article-- which apparently is based totally on information from archaeologists and Egyptian cultural bureaucrats-- nowhere discusses the status of the case against former Egyptian antiquities chief Zahi Hawass, who has been charged with antiquities theft and corruption.
If Egyptian authorities insist on prosecuting the poor for "antiquities theft" shouldn't they also take a similarly hard line against Dr. Hawass, who, after all, was one of the major proponents of such repressive measures when he was in charge?
Seat Brent Benjamin on CPAC
A US District Court's decision to throw out the Government's claim against the Lady Ka-nefer-nefer Mask should also revive Brent Benjamin's appointment to CPAC to represent the interests of the Museum Community.
President Bush appointed Benjamin to the post, but the State Department never seated him, presumably because of Zahi Hawass' campaign to vilify Benjamin, a cause taken up by SAFE and other archaeological groups. See http://www.savingantiquities.org/brent-benjamin-to-join-cpac-an-outrageous-appointment/
Now that the Government's claim has been dismissed and Zahi Hawass has been disgraced, it's time for the State Department to follow the law and seat Mr. Benjamin, who after all was legally appointed by President Bush to the post.
President Bush appointed Benjamin to the post, but the State Department never seated him, presumably because of Zahi Hawass' campaign to vilify Benjamin, a cause taken up by SAFE and other archaeological groups. See http://www.savingantiquities.org/brent-benjamin-to-join-cpac-an-outrageous-appointment/
Now that the Government's claim has been dismissed and Zahi Hawass has been disgraced, it's time for the State Department to follow the law and seat Mr. Benjamin, who after all was legally appointed by President Bush to the post.
SLAM Dunk
A US District Court has dismissed a forfeiture claim brought by the United States on behalf of Egypt for a mummy mask owned by the St. Louis Art Museum (SLAM). The Government had claimed that the artifact, known as the Mask of Ka-Nefer-Nefer, was "stolen" under Egyptian law. The mask in question has been on display at SLAM since 1998.
In pertinent part, the Court stated,
The verified complaint does not provide a factual statement of theft, smuggling, or clandestine importation. Rather, the complaint merely states that the Mask was found to be "missing' from Egypt in 1973. Although the Government alleges, in conclusory fashion, that "the register did not document that the Mask was sold or given to a private party during the time frame 1966 to 1973," the Complaint is completely devoid of any facts showing that the Mask was sold or given to a private party during the time frame of 1966 to 1973," the complaint is completely devoid of any facts showing that the Mask was "missing" because it was stolen and then smuggled out of the country... The Government's legal conclusion, in paragraph 22 of the verified complaint, that "[b]ecause the Mask was stolen, it could not have been lawfully exported from Egypt or lawfully imported into the United States," misses a number of factual and logical steps, namely: (1) an assertion that the Mask was actually stolen; (2) factual circumstances relating to when the Government believes the Mask was stolen; (3) facts relating to the location from which the Mask was stolen; (4) facts regarding who the Government believes stole the Mask; and (5) a statement or identification of the law which the Government believes applies under which the Mask could be considered stolen and/or illegally exported.
The Government cannot simply rest on its laurels and believe that it can initiate a civil forfeiture proceeding on the basis of one bold assertion that because something went missing from one party in 1973 and turned up with another party in 1998, it was therefore stolen and/or imported or exported illegally.
Ironically, the decision was released the same day it was reported that the instigator of the claim against SLAM, former Egyptian antiquities chief Zahi Hawass, is to face corruption charges in Egypt, related to a National Geographic sponsored exhibit in the United States. See http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/38308/Egypt/Politics-/Egypts-Indiana-Jones-faces-charges.aspx
One hopes that the US Government will be as aggressive investigating whether American archaeologists and the National Geographic were parties to any corrupt practices involving Hawass, as the US Government has been in going after SLAM over the Ka-Nefer-Nefer mask.
In pertinent part, the Court stated,
The verified complaint does not provide a factual statement of theft, smuggling, or clandestine importation. Rather, the complaint merely states that the Mask was found to be "missing' from Egypt in 1973. Although the Government alleges, in conclusory fashion, that "the register did not document that the Mask was sold or given to a private party during the time frame 1966 to 1973," the Complaint is completely devoid of any facts showing that the Mask was sold or given to a private party during the time frame of 1966 to 1973," the complaint is completely devoid of any facts showing that the Mask was "missing" because it was stolen and then smuggled out of the country... The Government's legal conclusion, in paragraph 22 of the verified complaint, that "[b]ecause the Mask was stolen, it could not have been lawfully exported from Egypt or lawfully imported into the United States," misses a number of factual and logical steps, namely: (1) an assertion that the Mask was actually stolen; (2) factual circumstances relating to when the Government believes the Mask was stolen; (3) facts relating to the location from which the Mask was stolen; (4) facts regarding who the Government believes stole the Mask; and (5) a statement or identification of the law which the Government believes applies under which the Mask could be considered stolen and/or illegally exported.
The Government cannot simply rest on its laurels and believe that it can initiate a civil forfeiture proceeding on the basis of one bold assertion that because something went missing from one party in 1973 and turned up with another party in 1998, it was therefore stolen and/or imported or exported illegally.
Ironically, the decision was released the same day it was reported that the instigator of the claim against SLAM, former Egyptian antiquities chief Zahi Hawass, is to face corruption charges in Egypt, related to a National Geographic sponsored exhibit in the United States. See http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/38308/Egypt/Politics-/Egypts-Indiana-Jones-faces-charges.aspx
One hopes that the US Government will be as aggressive investigating whether American archaeologists and the National Geographic were parties to any corrupt practices involving Hawass, as the US Government has been in going after SLAM over the Ka-Nefer-Nefer mask.
Labels:
double standards,
Egypt,
stolen antiquities,
US Customs,
Zahi Hawass
Hawass Involved in Illegal Scheme to Turn Egyptian Antiquities into Cash?
The Egyptian Government is alleging that former antiquities Pharaoh Zahi Hawass was engaged in a scheme to waste public funds and steal antiquities. See http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/38308/Egypt/Politics-/Egypts-Indiana-Jones-faces-charges.aspx
It's a bit hard to tell from this article, but it seems that the Egyptian prosecutor is alleging that Hawass and the wife of Egypt's deposed President Mubark were skimming profits from a travelling exhibit and that Hawass was receiving unauthorized payments from the National Geographic Society.
Will the US Justice Department be as aggressive investigating allegations of public corruption potentially involving US archaeologists as it has been in tracking down allegedly stolen Egyptian antiquities?
It's a bit hard to tell from this article, but it seems that the Egyptian prosecutor is alleging that Hawass and the wife of Egypt's deposed President Mubark were skimming profits from a travelling exhibit and that Hawass was receiving unauthorized payments from the National Geographic Society.
Will the US Justice Department be as aggressive investigating allegations of public corruption potentially involving US archaeologists as it has been in tracking down allegedly stolen Egyptian antiquities?
Library Tragedy to be Used to Justify New Import Restrictions and Return of Hawass?
Will the tragic burning of a historic library in Egypt during continuing unrest be used to justify "emergency restrictions" on Egyptian cultural artifacts and the return of Zahi Hawass to power?
Read this http://www.drhawass.com/blog/december-17-2011-sad-day-my-life and
http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/2011/1076/he2.htm
What do you think?
Meanwhile, a generous Gulf sheik has promised financial help to rebuild the collection. See http://gulftoday.ae/portal/1eb8d27d-5e5b-4a25-82aa-fbab4e59f123.aspx
Read this http://www.drhawass.com/blog/december-17-2011-sad-day-my-life and
http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/2011/1076/he2.htm
What do you think?
Meanwhile, a generous Gulf sheik has promised financial help to rebuild the collection. See http://gulftoday.ae/portal/1eb8d27d-5e5b-4a25-82aa-fbab4e59f123.aspx
State Department Clarifies Egyptian MOU
The State Department Cultural Heritage Center has clarified the situation on the Egyptian MOU as follows:
http://exchanges.state.gov/heritage/whatsnew.html
What's New
Potential Memorandum of Understanding between U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Egypt�s Ministry of State for Antiquities
The Department of State�s Cultural Heritage Center has become aware that confusion exists concerning a potential MOU between U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Egypt�s Ministry of State for Antiquities. Such an agreement would differ from the type of MOU made under Article 9 of the 1970 UNESCO Convention for import restrictions on certain categories of cultural materials. The Department understands that the MOU presently under discussion by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement concerns information exchange and not import restrictions. If the Government of the Arab Republic of Egypt requests an agreement pursuant to Article 9 of the 1970 UNESCO Convention, the Department of State would announce receipt of such a request in the Federal Register. This procedure is the only means currently available to a country wishing U.S. import restrictions on its cultural property.
Given this clarification, a recap of how this issue arose is in order.
Last May, then Egyptian Antiquities Minister Zahi Hawass stated on his blog,
[A Coalition of US archaeologists] reported that the US Government is willing to impose emergency restrictions on Egyptian antiquities....The coalition will be drafting a formal agreement between the US and Egyptian governments...."
See http://ordinarymag.blogspot.com/2011/05/hawass-says-emergency-import.html
Last June, the Cultural Policy Research Institute made FOIA requests on the matter, that have not been answered satisfactorily.
See http://ordinarymag.blogspot.com/2011/06/cpri-files-foia-request-on-purported.html
Last September, it was reported that the State Department [not US Customs] had given ICOM a sole source contract to prepare a "red list of Egyptian antiquities at risk." See http://ordinarymag.blogspot.com/2011/09/state-department-commissions-egyptian.html
Just this week, an Egytian newspaper that is viewed as the unofficial voice of the Egyptian military government reported,
New strategy to prevent illegal trade in Egyptian antiquities
Nevine El-Aref, Sunday 23 Oct 2011
American-Egyptian memorandum of understanding to track down antiquities smugglers in the United States to be signed soon
In an attempt to tighten security measures on antiquities trafficking, Egypt is to sign a memorandum of understanding with the United States enabling the Customs and National Security Department in the USA to track and catch antiquities smugglers in the country. They will also be able to take all legal procedures to return illegally smuggled antiquities to Egypt.
Mustafa Amin, secretary-general of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, told Ahram Online that according to the memorandum, training courses would be provided for Egyptian archaeologists responsible for archaeological units in ports and airports in order to discover any smuggling attempts across Egyptian borders.
The United States will also offer Egypt a financial grant to implement a special security strategy at all its archaeological sites, museums and borders. State-of-the-art security equipment such as electronic gates, burglar alarms connected to TV circuits, and cameras will also be provided.
http://english.ahram.org.eg/News/24873.aspx
Under the circumstances, while the State Department's clarification is welcome, it should be followed up with more transparency about the issue.
http://exchanges.state.gov/heritage/whatsnew.html
What's New
Potential Memorandum of Understanding between U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Egypt�s Ministry of State for Antiquities
The Department of State�s Cultural Heritage Center has become aware that confusion exists concerning a potential MOU between U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Egypt�s Ministry of State for Antiquities. Such an agreement would differ from the type of MOU made under Article 9 of the 1970 UNESCO Convention for import restrictions on certain categories of cultural materials. The Department understands that the MOU presently under discussion by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement concerns information exchange and not import restrictions. If the Government of the Arab Republic of Egypt requests an agreement pursuant to Article 9 of the 1970 UNESCO Convention, the Department of State would announce receipt of such a request in the Federal Register. This procedure is the only means currently available to a country wishing U.S. import restrictions on its cultural property.
Given this clarification, a recap of how this issue arose is in order.
Last May, then Egyptian Antiquities Minister Zahi Hawass stated on his blog,
[A Coalition of US archaeologists] reported that the US Government is willing to impose emergency restrictions on Egyptian antiquities....The coalition will be drafting a formal agreement between the US and Egyptian governments...."
See http://ordinarymag.blogspot.com/2011/05/hawass-says-emergency-import.html
Last June, the Cultural Policy Research Institute made FOIA requests on the matter, that have not been answered satisfactorily.
See http://ordinarymag.blogspot.com/2011/06/cpri-files-foia-request-on-purported.html
Last September, it was reported that the State Department [not US Customs] had given ICOM a sole source contract to prepare a "red list of Egyptian antiquities at risk." See http://ordinarymag.blogspot.com/2011/09/state-department-commissions-egyptian.html
Just this week, an Egytian newspaper that is viewed as the unofficial voice of the Egyptian military government reported,
New strategy to prevent illegal trade in Egyptian antiquities
Nevine El-Aref, Sunday 23 Oct 2011
American-Egyptian memorandum of understanding to track down antiquities smugglers in the United States to be signed soon
In an attempt to tighten security measures on antiquities trafficking, Egypt is to sign a memorandum of understanding with the United States enabling the Customs and National Security Department in the USA to track and catch antiquities smugglers in the country. They will also be able to take all legal procedures to return illegally smuggled antiquities to Egypt.
Mustafa Amin, secretary-general of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, told Ahram Online that according to the memorandum, training courses would be provided for Egyptian archaeologists responsible for archaeological units in ports and airports in order to discover any smuggling attempts across Egyptian borders.
The United States will also offer Egypt a financial grant to implement a special security strategy at all its archaeological sites, museums and borders. State-of-the-art security equipment such as electronic gates, burglar alarms connected to TV circuits, and cameras will also be provided.
http://english.ahram.org.eg/News/24873.aspx
Under the circumstances, while the State Department's clarification is welcome, it should be followed up with more transparency about the issue.
CPAC and Egypt: Why Bother?
Ahramonline, the Egyptian Military Dictatorship's mouthpiece, has reported that US and Egyptian authorities are poised to sign yet another MOU which will purportedly clamp down on the trade in Egyptian artifacts. See
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/9/40/24873/Heritage/Ancient-Egypt/New-strategy-to-prevent-illegal-trade-in-Egyptian-.aspx
Of course, such MOU's are only supposed to be decided after a formal request from a State Party to the State Department. CPAC is then supposed to make recommendations to the President's designee at the Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, who in turn is only supposed to agree to import restrictions if specific statutory criteria are met.
Here, all this appears to be a formality. Some months ago former Egyptian antiquities chief Zahi Hawass reported that American archaeologists had secured the State Department's agreement to enter into import restrictions. Then, the State Department gave ICOM a sole source contract to develop a "red list" of Egyptian antiquities at risk, which can also serve as a ready made "designated list" for import restrictions.
If the reports emanating out of Egypt are true, it's just more evidence that the whole CPAC process is but a bad joke.
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/9/40/24873/Heritage/Ancient-Egypt/New-strategy-to-prevent-illegal-trade-in-Egyptian-.aspx
Of course, such MOU's are only supposed to be decided after a formal request from a State Party to the State Department. CPAC is then supposed to make recommendations to the President's designee at the Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, who in turn is only supposed to agree to import restrictions if specific statutory criteria are met.
Here, all this appears to be a formality. Some months ago former Egyptian antiquities chief Zahi Hawass reported that American archaeologists had secured the State Department's agreement to enter into import restrictions. Then, the State Department gave ICOM a sole source contract to develop a "red list" of Egyptian antiquities at risk, which can also serve as a ready made "designated list" for import restrictions.
If the reports emanating out of Egypt are true, it's just more evidence that the whole CPAC process is but a bad joke.
State Department Commissions Egyptian "Red List:" More Evidence of A Done Deal?
The US State Department has given a sole source contract to pro-import restrictions ICOM to create a "red list of Egyptian antiquities at risk." See https://www.fbo.gov/index?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=fa0c2fe21fd3cf5028a500f1fc4b97e4&tab=core&tabmode=list
Even as any "cultural property emergency" (if there ever really was one) fades, it again appears that the State Department Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs Cultural Heritage Center may be busily at work stage managing a shadow process for imposing import restrictions on cultural goods.
What should happen under the CPIA is clear. A request from Egypt itself is contemplated. And the request should be processed through CPAC.
Here, however, former Egyptian antiquities head, Zahi Hawass, has himself been assured by American archaeologists that import restrictions are a done deal, making any request from Egypt or CPAC hearings to consider it a mere formality. See http://ordinarymag.blogspot.com/2011/05/hawass-says-emergency-import.html
And now it would seem that CPAC will have no real input on the content of any designated list either-- that presumably will be derived from whatever "red list" ICOM creates.
The CPRI has already made a FOIA request related to whether there is any done deal on and MOU with Egypt. See
http://ordinarymag.blogspot.com/2011/06/cpri-files-foia-request-on-purported.html However, to date that FOIA request has not been acted upon by the State Department.
In running for election, President Obama promised transparent government and attention to procedure. Yet, the Obama State Department Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs appears committed to neither.
Even as any "cultural property emergency" (if there ever really was one) fades, it again appears that the State Department Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs Cultural Heritage Center may be busily at work stage managing a shadow process for imposing import restrictions on cultural goods.
What should happen under the CPIA is clear. A request from Egypt itself is contemplated. And the request should be processed through CPAC.
Here, however, former Egyptian antiquities head, Zahi Hawass, has himself been assured by American archaeologists that import restrictions are a done deal, making any request from Egypt or CPAC hearings to consider it a mere formality. See http://ordinarymag.blogspot.com/2011/05/hawass-says-emergency-import.html
And now it would seem that CPAC will have no real input on the content of any designated list either-- that presumably will be derived from whatever "red list" ICOM creates.
The CPRI has already made a FOIA request related to whether there is any done deal on and MOU with Egypt. See
http://ordinarymag.blogspot.com/2011/06/cpri-files-foia-request-on-purported.html However, to date that FOIA request has not been acted upon by the State Department.
In running for election, President Obama promised transparent government and attention to procedure. Yet, the Obama State Department Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs appears committed to neither.
Egyptian Archaeological Objects Like Cocaine?
As hard as it might be to believe, the US Government has apparently claimed so in a court filing relating to the pending forfeiture action against the SLAM Mummy Mask.
According to a blog by an attorney who previously served as SAFE's Vice President,
Federal attorneys, in their July 27 pleading, contend that SLAM�s �claim of ownership is legally impossible, and as such the Mask is effectively contraband in the hands of the Museum.� The government argues that Egypt�s patrimony law, which gives ownership rights of cultural property to the Egyptians, makes it impossible for the SLAM to own the mummy mask. Therefore, SLAM has no legal standing to assert that it can own the mask.
The government�s brief analogizes SLAM�s claim to the mask as similar to asserting ownership over cocaine�one cannot legally claim ownership. Since the mask cannot be owned by the museum, the museum lacks standing to claim ownership, the government argues.
SLAM says that it has standing to be a legal party in the case because it bought the mask and it possesses it.
http://culturalheritagelawyer.blogspot.com/2011/07/us-claims-slam-lacks-legal.html?spref=fb
Hopefully, the Government is basing its contention on more than the fact that Egypt has had at some point (1983 was the date adopted by the Court in the Schultz case) a patrimony law that vests unequivocal state ownership of Egyptian artifacts found in the ground of that country and that the artifact is indeed "Egyptian."
But, if not, what exactly is the status of the hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of other Egyptian antiquities, significant or not, floating around the United States, according to the USDOJ?
And, if this is indeed what the Government attorneys are contending, why are US government officials seemingly advancing some of the wildest claims of Egyptian cultural property nationalists like the now disgraced former Antiquities Minister Zahi Hawass?
Have senior US Government officials cleared such arguments to be made? And, if so, do they truly understand the implications of such claims?
As far as I know, there is no US law on the books that bans the possession of Egyptian artifacts as is the case with cocaine.
According to a blog by an attorney who previously served as SAFE's Vice President,
Federal attorneys, in their July 27 pleading, contend that SLAM�s �claim of ownership is legally impossible, and as such the Mask is effectively contraband in the hands of the Museum.� The government argues that Egypt�s patrimony law, which gives ownership rights of cultural property to the Egyptians, makes it impossible for the SLAM to own the mummy mask. Therefore, SLAM has no legal standing to assert that it can own the mask.
The government�s brief analogizes SLAM�s claim to the mask as similar to asserting ownership over cocaine�one cannot legally claim ownership. Since the mask cannot be owned by the museum, the museum lacks standing to claim ownership, the government argues.
SLAM says that it has standing to be a legal party in the case because it bought the mask and it possesses it.
http://culturalheritagelawyer.blogspot.com/2011/07/us-claims-slam-lacks-legal.html?spref=fb
Hopefully, the Government is basing its contention on more than the fact that Egypt has had at some point (1983 was the date adopted by the Court in the Schultz case) a patrimony law that vests unequivocal state ownership of Egyptian artifacts found in the ground of that country and that the artifact is indeed "Egyptian."
But, if not, what exactly is the status of the hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of other Egyptian antiquities, significant or not, floating around the United States, according to the USDOJ?
And, if this is indeed what the Government attorneys are contending, why are US government officials seemingly advancing some of the wildest claims of Egyptian cultural property nationalists like the now disgraced former Antiquities Minister Zahi Hawass?
Have senior US Government officials cleared such arguments to be made? And, if so, do they truly understand the implications of such claims?
As far as I know, there is no US law on the books that bans the possession of Egyptian artifacts as is the case with cocaine.
Mubaraks Allegedly Pocketed Money From Ticket Sales for Travelling Exhibits: Are the Feds Going to Investigate Here?
An Egyptian newspaper has published allegations that the Mubarak family skimmed monies from ticket sales of travelling exhibits of Egyptian antiquities. See
http://www.almasryalyoum.com/en/node/480908
The report also indicates that Zahi Hawass (is he in or out?) has denied the allegations.
One suspects this is just the tip of the iceberg. The other question that should be investigated is whether US archaeologists or institutions that helped facilitate these exhibits also helped facilitate such corrupt practices.
US Government prosecutors have shown how aggressive they can be in breaking up alleged smuggling rings for Egyptian artifacts of limited cultural and artistic value. But, how aggressive are they when it comes to investigating corrupt practices that may have bilked US institutions and tax payers out of millions of dollars? Not very, apparently.
http://www.almasryalyoum.com/en/node/480908
The report also indicates that Zahi Hawass (is he in or out?) has denied the allegations.
One suspects this is just the tip of the iceberg. The other question that should be investigated is whether US archaeologists or institutions that helped facilitate these exhibits also helped facilitate such corrupt practices.
US Government prosecutors have shown how aggressive they can be in breaking up alleged smuggling rings for Egyptian artifacts of limited cultural and artistic value. But, how aggressive are they when it comes to investigating corrupt practices that may have bilked US institutions and tax payers out of millions of dollars? Not very, apparently.
He's Back: Part II
It now appears that Zahi Hawass may be back as Minister of Antiquities yet again.
Mubarak first appointed him to the newly created post in the last days before his government fell due to street protests.
Hawass then abruptly resigned after he became the target of demonstrations. He has maintained, however, that he did so to protest the lack of security at archaeological sites around the country as well as false claims over "stealing antiquities and doing other illegal things."
Hawass was then reappointed after he promised unemployed archaeologists new jobs. However, the honeymoon did not last long; after more protests aimed at his administration of Egypt's antiquities bureaucracy, he was sacked again and replaced. But his replacement never took over the post so Zahi remains in control.
Revolutions are often messy, but this has become a farce, or perhaps at least the makings of a movie script. But, if so, who will play the publicity loving Zahi Hawass?
For more, see
http://www.theartnewspaper.com/articles/Zahi-Hawass-remains-antiquities-minister%E2%80%94for-now/24336
Mubarak first appointed him to the newly created post in the last days before his government fell due to street protests.
Hawass then abruptly resigned after he became the target of demonstrations. He has maintained, however, that he did so to protest the lack of security at archaeological sites around the country as well as false claims over "stealing antiquities and doing other illegal things."
Hawass was then reappointed after he promised unemployed archaeologists new jobs. However, the honeymoon did not last long; after more protests aimed at his administration of Egypt's antiquities bureaucracy, he was sacked again and replaced. But his replacement never took over the post so Zahi remains in control.
Revolutions are often messy, but this has become a farce, or perhaps at least the makings of a movie script. But, if so, who will play the publicity loving Zahi Hawass?
For more, see
http://www.theartnewspaper.com/articles/Zahi-Hawass-remains-antiquities-minister%E2%80%94for-now/24336
Hawass Out Again
If Zahi Hawass was hoping that the recent arrests for smuggling of Egyptian artifacts would help keep him in power, it has not happened:
http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/07/17/egypts-antiquities-chief-says-he-will-lose-his-job/
Where will he go? To the archaeology department of an elite University? To Hollywood? Wherever it is, I'm sure we have not heard the last of him.
And what of the allegations of corruption? Will his departure end any inquiries or stimulate them? That too remains yet to be seen.
http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/07/17/egypts-antiquities-chief-says-he-will-lose-his-job/
Where will he go? To the archaeology department of an elite University? To Hollywood? Wherever it is, I'm sure we have not heard the last of him.
And what of the allegations of corruption? Will his departure end any inquiries or stimulate them? That too remains yet to be seen.
Hawass: No Guilt By Association!
I had to chuckle when I heard Zahi Hawass in the middle of a NBC story about restoration work on the step pyramid have to assert in the words of the reporter that he was "the victim of a witch hunt for anyone who worked for the old regime." See
http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/26184891/vp/43778980#43778980 (1:59).
Hawass' allies in the archaeological establishment like blogger David Gill should heed their hero's message. Yet, Gill in particular is predictably doing his darnedest to use "guilt by association" to damage the reputations of targets as diverse as the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, the C. Carlos Museum, and the Ancient Coin Collectors Guild. See
http://lootingmatters.blogspot.com/2011/07/accg-charity-charged.html and
http://lootingmatters.blogspot.com/2011/07/lewis-collection-and-virginia-mfa.html
Gill purports to be a serious scholar and the AIA deems his work worthy of an award. Based on such foolishness, however, one has to question whether either is the case.
http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/26184891/vp/43778980#43778980 (1:59).
Hawass' allies in the archaeological establishment like blogger David Gill should heed their hero's message. Yet, Gill in particular is predictably doing his darnedest to use "guilt by association" to damage the reputations of targets as diverse as the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, the C. Carlos Museum, and the Ancient Coin Collectors Guild. See
http://lootingmatters.blogspot.com/2011/07/accg-charity-charged.html and
http://lootingmatters.blogspot.com/2011/07/lewis-collection-and-virginia-mfa.html
Gill purports to be a serious scholar and the AIA deems his work worthy of an award. Based on such foolishness, however, one has to question whether either is the case.
Lifeline for Zahi and Justification for "Emergency Import Restrictions"?
There is nothing like a good indictment to remind Egyptians about Zahi Hawass' successes in seeking the cooparation of US law enforcement to effectuate the return of Egyptian cultural treasures. See http://www.drhawass.com/blog/victory-fight-against-illicit-antiquities-trade
Yet, many Egyptians will not forget the Mubarak ties or the charges of high handed conduct and corruption leveled against Hawass and his ministry.
And what better than an indictment to justify so-called emergency restrictions on Egyptian cultural artifacts? It was only recently that seizures of artifacts from auctions based on the secret Medici archive were used to help justify yet another extension of a MOU with Italy and its expansion to include certain ancient coins. See http://ordinarymag.blogspot.com/2009/11/gill-pr-newswire-release-confuses.html
Yet, the activities complained about in the indictment against Mousa Khouli et al. date from 2009, not 2011. And, they do nothing to explain how private archaeological groups with professional and financial interests with Hawass and his ministry were able to gain some commitment from the US Government that such restrictions were a "done deal."
See
http://ordinarymag.blogspot.com/2011/07/hawass-business-ties-raise-conflict-of.html
Yet, many Egyptians will not forget the Mubarak ties or the charges of high handed conduct and corruption leveled against Hawass and his ministry.
And what better than an indictment to justify so-called emergency restrictions on Egyptian cultural artifacts? It was only recently that seizures of artifacts from auctions based on the secret Medici archive were used to help justify yet another extension of a MOU with Italy and its expansion to include certain ancient coins. See http://ordinarymag.blogspot.com/2009/11/gill-pr-newswire-release-confuses.html
Yet, the activities complained about in the indictment against Mousa Khouli et al. date from 2009, not 2011. And, they do nothing to explain how private archaeological groups with professional and financial interests with Hawass and his ministry were able to gain some commitment from the US Government that such restrictions were a "done deal."
See
http://ordinarymag.blogspot.com/2011/07/hawass-business-ties-raise-conflict-of.html
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