Hobby Lobby and the Looting of Iraq
Rosencreutz・2 minutes read
Hobby Lobby illegally obtained artifacts through smuggling, knowingly financing the looting of Iraq for their museum project, violating the law. The company retained thousands of items post-case, raising ethical questions about the global market's role in incentivizing looting and the destruction of cultural heritage.
Insights
- Hobby Lobby engaged in illegal smuggling and financing of antiquities acquisition, knowingly violating the law for their museum project.
- The connection between the global market's demand for looted artifacts, ISIS's revenue generation, and the destruction of cultural heritage highlights ethical dilemmas and the impact of corporate actions on state governance.
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Recent questions
What legal issues did Hobby Lobby face?
Hobby Lobby faced legal issues involving ancient artifacts, including a fragment of the Epic of Gilgamesh. In 2017, it was revealed that the company had illegally obtained thousands of antiquities through smuggling from Iraq. The artifacts were acquired through illegal means in 2010/2011, violating laws by financing the looting of Iraq for their Bible museum project. Despite forfeiting some artifacts and repatriating others, Hobby Lobby still possessed thousands of items obtained through illegal means, leading to a $3 million punishment.
How did Hobby Lobby obtain artifacts illegally?
Hobby Lobby obtained artifacts illegally through smuggling from Iraq, not purchased from ISIS but acquired through illegal means in 2010/2011. The Dream Tablet, a Gilgamesh fragment, was bought from Christie's, likely originating from the Gulf war. The company knowingly violated the law by financing the looting of Iraq for their Bible museum project, involving creative financing, false invoices, and undervaluing artifacts during smuggling. Despite facing consequences and forfeiting some artifacts, Hobby Lobby retained thousands of items obtained through illegal means.
What were the consequences of Hobby Lobby's actions?
The consequences of Hobby Lobby's actions involved facing legal issues for illegally obtaining artifacts through smuggling from Iraq. In 2017, it was revealed that the company had acquired thousands of antiquities through illegal means, violating laws by financing the looting of Iraq for their Bible museum project. Despite forfeiting some artifacts and repatriating others, Hobby Lobby still possessed thousands of items obtained through illegal means, leading to a $3 million punishment. The company knowingly violated the law by engaging in illegal activities related to ancient artifacts.
How did the US law impact Hobby Lobby's case?
The US law since the 1990s prohibited the importation of Iraqi cultural artifacts illegally removed since August 6, 1990. This law had a significant impact on Hobby Lobby's case as the company was found to have illegally obtained thousands of antiquities through smuggling from Iraq in 2010/2011. Despite facing consequences and forfeiting some artifacts, Hobby Lobby retained thousands of items obtained through illegal means, leading to a $3 million punishment. The law played a crucial role in addressing the illegal acquisition of ancient artifacts.
What ethical questions arise from artifact ownership?
Ownership and preservation of ancient artifacts raise complex ethical questions about cultural inheritance and repatriation. Museums can inadvertently legitimize stolen artifacts, acting as sites of laundering for illegal acquisitions. Private collections, while controversial, play a role in the museum ecosystem but can lead to looting and unethical practices. The case of Hobby Lobby's illegal acquisition of artifacts highlights the ethical dilemmas surrounding the ownership and trade of ancient artifacts, emphasizing the need for responsible practices in preserving cultural heritage.
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