Series | Antiquity Studies
Edited book | Stolen Heritage
Chapter | Palmyrene Funerary Portraits: A 'Conflict Antiquities' Case

Palmyrene Funerary Portraits: A 'Conflict Antiquities' Case

Abstract

This paper delves into the issue of ‘conflict antiquities’, that is, the phenomenon of profiting from cultural goods looted in archaeological sites affected by wars or civil conflicts. The present research shows the increased number of Palmyrene funerary portraits of dubious provenance circulating on the antiquities market after the beginning of the so-called ‘Arab Spring’ in 2011. By analysing international war damage reports, the author established a chronology of the key events that have involved the ancient town of Palmyra, likely leading to the flood of portraits recently offered on sale.


Open access | Peer reviewed

Submitted: May 7, 2021 | Published March 31, 2021 | Language: en

Keywords Conflict antiquitiesSyriaArt marketFunerary portraitsLootingPalmyra


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