I feel like I’ve been under a waterfall. This guy has such a lack of cynicism. His take on world events, placed within the context of world history, is incredibly refreshing. Thank you for this wonderful piece, Anne and Hannah. A++
My first job was as an archaeologist in the American Southwest. I helped establish the protocol for the Native American Graves Repatriation Act, a bill enacted by the Clinton government to restore and repatriate Native American human remains and objects of cultural patrimony that had been unceremoniously looted during the colonization of the United States by (generally) Western Europeans. My territory included the vast landscapes of Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, and Arizona, and my job was acting as a liaison between tribes and government agencies to ensure that tribes that had lost their patrimony received it back. That was difficult enough, but on the side was - and I’m sure still is - an incredible lucrative looting market where large, well-organized organizations loot archaeological and paleontological sites and sell the spoils on the international art and museum market. Goods included everything from entire dinosaurs to the bodies and grave goods of men and women who died between 500 and 1500 years ago. Thank you for bringing attention to this practice that is global in nature, and let us not forget that our own most vulnerable citizens are also victims to this day.
This was incredible and if anyone is interested in more antiquities smuggling stories, Chasing Aphrodite by Jason Felch and Ralph Frammolind is a great book on the Gettys looted Aphrodite statue and the Italian antiquity squad that busted them.
This was an incredible interview! Aside from the great stories (capers! intrigue! deal-making!), his world view and personal set of ethics and point of view were so interesting and encouraging to read. Kudos to the interviewer for helping us see the person and the moral code he embodies, which is probably a huge reason his team and department have been successful.
Like WOW! This was amazing and so moving. Matthew Bogdanos Is one fascinating guy who makes this work not only interesting but hits me right in the heart.
fantastic interview and grateful that this type of work is being highlighted. And what an amazing set of stories and experiences he had to share. Brava.
Inside the Mind-Boggling World of the Antiquities Theft Task Force
I feel like I’ve been under a waterfall. This guy has such a lack of cynicism. His take on world events, placed within the context of world history, is incredibly refreshing. Thank you for this wonderful piece, Anne and Hannah. A++
I haven't read such an enjoyable and informative article in some time. Thank you, and thank the writer.
My first job was as an archaeologist in the American Southwest. I helped establish the protocol for the Native American Graves Repatriation Act, a bill enacted by the Clinton government to restore and repatriate Native American human remains and objects of cultural patrimony that had been unceremoniously looted during the colonization of the United States by (generally) Western Europeans. My territory included the vast landscapes of Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, and Arizona, and my job was acting as a liaison between tribes and government agencies to ensure that tribes that had lost their patrimony received it back. That was difficult enough, but on the side was - and I’m sure still is - an incredible lucrative looting market where large, well-organized organizations loot archaeological and paleontological sites and sell the spoils on the international art and museum market. Goods included everything from entire dinosaurs to the bodies and grave goods of men and women who died between 500 and 1500 years ago. Thank you for bringing attention to this practice that is global in nature, and let us not forget that our own most vulnerable citizens are also victims to this day.
Wow. Just everything about this was incredible. Hannah can you please start an art crime Substack? 🤩
This was incredible and if anyone is interested in more antiquities smuggling stories, Chasing Aphrodite by Jason Felch and Ralph Frammolind is a great book on the Gettys looted Aphrodite statue and the Italian antiquity squad that busted them.
Hannah and Matthew need to team up together to write his memoirs. If this interview is any indication the book would be a massive bestseller.
This is one of the best Substack articles/interviews I've ever read. Outstanding
This was an incredible interview! Aside from the great stories (capers! intrigue! deal-making!), his world view and personal set of ethics and point of view were so interesting and encouraging to read. Kudos to the interviewer for helping us see the person and the moral code he embodies, which is probably a huge reason his team and department have been successful.
This was absolutely amazing!
I loved this so much, partly because I just finished the novel Portrait of a Thief by Grace D. Li. Definitely recommended if you enjoyed this piece!
That was a GREAT interview!
What a spectacular interview! Immense respect to Matthew Bogdanos not just for the work he does but also for the clarity and conviction of his morals.
This was so interesting to read, thank you!!
Like WOW! This was amazing and so moving. Matthew Bogdanos Is one fascinating guy who makes this work not only interesting but hits me right in the heart.
This was a delightful read. Thanks, AHP and Hannah!
fantastic interview and grateful that this type of work is being highlighted. And what an amazing set of stories and experiences he had to share. Brava.