This catalogue is designed to aid in the identification of those Latvian archaeological artefacts, which are more frequently acquired illegally, illegally traded and exported outside the territory of Latvia.
The catalogue is meant for Latvian and foreign traders, buyers and collectors of cultural objects, law enforcement agencies, museums and other organizations working in the cultural sector, non-governmental organizations, universities and schools, individuals interested in history, as well as international organizations, tourists and other possible audiences.
The types of archaeological artefacts included in the catalogue are not exhaustive. It includes only the types that are most threatened by illegal trade, as well as more commonly found in Latvia. The specific archaeological artefacts shown in the catalogue are not stolen, lost or being trafficked – they are legitimately held in the National History Museum of Latvia (hereinafter – NHML) collections and are included in the catalogue for illustrative purposes only.
The catalogue has been designed in the framework of the project „Identification and creation of the digital catalogue of endangered Latvian archaeological artefacts”. Representatives of the Latvian Academy of Culture, National History Museum of Latvia and State Inspection for Heritage Protection participated in the development of the catalogue. Advisory support was provided by representatives of the State Revenue Service, the State Police, the State Border Guard, SJSC “Latvian Post” (“Latvijas Pasts”) and SJSC ““Rīga” International airport”.
Developers of the catalogue: Andris Kairišs, Invited researcher of the Latvian Academy of Culture, project manager, Alise Šulte, National History Museum of Latvia, Keeper of collections, Sandra Zirne, Head of Archaeology and History division of the State Inspection for Heritage Protection, Egita Lūsēna, Specialist of Archaeology and History division of the State Inspection for Heritage Protection, prof. Dr. Juris
Tālivaldis Urtāns, Leading researcher of the Scientific research centre of the Latvian Academy of Culture.
The project implemented with the financial support of the State Culture Capital Foundation and the Latvian Academy of Culture.
It is possible to download the catalogue here:
