Latin American Countries Demand Halt to Antiquities Auction
- March 21, 2013 22:20
A Sotheby's auction of 300 pre-Columbian objects set to sell this weekend in Paris has been denounced by four Latin American countries.
Mexico, Peru, Guatemala and Costa Rica have cited cultural propoerty laws in their objections to the auction. Many of the lots come from the private Barbier-Mueller collection, built by two generations of a family since 1920.
The AP first reported that Mexico has raised concerns over the provenance of 51 objects. Peru wants the return of 67 objects, the New York Times writes. Guatemala is demanding 13 items and the number of items Costa Rica is claiming has not yet been reported.
Sotheby's released a statement that the sale will go on this Saturday and Sunday. It is expected to generate $19 million to $24 million.
“Over the course of the past six months, Sotheby’s thoroughly researched the provenance of this collection and we are confident in offering these works for auction," according to the Sotheby's release.
