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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 looting of prehistoric sites across Cambodia has reached epic proportions..."

Heritage Watch News

New weapon to fight theft of Khmer relics

JULY 5TH - The Phnom Penh Post reported this week that;

The illicit trade in Khmer antiquities has led to the creation of the Red List by an international arts organization as a tool to help customs officials, police officers, art dealers and collectors recognize artifacts unlawfully smuggled out of Cambodia.

To be published in September by the International Council of Museums (ICOM), the Red List describes the types of artifacts most favored in the illicit antiquities market...

Cambodia demands return of Preah Vihear artifacts

MAY 28TH - Phnom Penh - The Bangkok Post has reported that a lobby group comprised of Cambodian business people, archeologists and lawyers Monday called on the Thai government to return artifacts they alleged had been removed from the border temple of Preah Vihear decades earlier. The newly-formed Khmer Civilization Foundation comprises heavy hitting lobbyists including prominent human rights lawyer Sok Sam Oeun, businessman Moeung Son and leading archeologist Vong Sotheara...

Antiquity smuggling finances terror

MAY 13TH - Associated Press, March 19, 2008
ATHENS, Greece: When Baghdad fell to the U.S.-led coalition that toppled Saddam Hussein, the world watched in horror as looters ransacked the museum that housed some of Iraq's most prized treasures.

Today, trafficking of stolen Iraqi antiquities is helping to finance al-Qaida in Iraq and Shiite militias, according to the U.S. investigator who led the probe into the looting of the National Museum.

U.S. Marine Reserve Col...

Preah Vihear Agreement Reached...

MAY 13TH - Temple Harmony
Bangkok Post, 06 May 2008

Cambodia and Thailand said on Tuesday that the border temple of Prey Vihear was not in dispute and Thailand would not obstruct it being accepted as a Unesco World Heritage Site.

“The process of listing the Preah Vihear temple as a World Heritage Site is a Cambodian internal affair,” Cambodian spokesman Phay Siphon said. “Both governments agree to cooperate...

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 ".....