The International Council of Museums (ICOM) publishes lists of the cultural artefacts that are most vulnerable to looting, theft and illicit trafficking. These red lists are a tool that can and should be used by those who for various reasons come into contact with cultural artefacts from other countries. Below, you can download the lists for different countries.
The objects pictured in the lists are not stolen or missing. They are inventoried objects in various collections and can be used as a reference. They illustrate the categories of cultural artefacts that are most vulnerable to illicit trafficking so that they can be identified and seized when they enter the market. The artefacts are protected by legislation and may not be exported.
The National Museums of World Culture are collaborating with ICOM to translate the lists into Swedish. You can find the translated lists below. On ICOM’s website, you can find the lists in several languages. Red List Database.
If you suspect that any object has been taken out of its country of origin illegally, contact the police.
The National Museums of World Culture, like most museums in Sweden, work in accordance with ICOM’s Code of Ethics for Museums. The code addresses, among other things, how museums should make acquisitions for their collections and the way this should take place. For example, museums should avoid collecting materials that can contribute to the destruction or endangerment of cultural heritage.
ICOM Code of Ethics for Museums
UNESCO has also developed an International Code of Ethics for Dealers in Cultural Property - UNESCO International Code of Ethics for Dealers in Cultural Property | United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
