L.A. Asian Antiquities Bust | Heritage Watch - Preserving thePast, Enriching the Future

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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. Thailand is said to be the source of many of the objects. Search warrants indicate that some museum staff knew they were skirting the law, while some were unaware.

Any of us who go to museums assume that the art and exhibitions we look at were acquired in a legal manner. But the law isn't always clear, and the art market is full of questionable sales and exchanges.

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"The work of Heritage Watch in developing innovative programs...to preserve Cambodia's cultural heritage and to foster responsible tourism represent a 21st century approach to... stemming the trade in illegal antiquities" James Cuno, Director, Center for

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