Asia’s Tomb Raiders

What’s being stolen from Asian countries and where is it going?

When the phrase “tomb raider” gets mentioned, many people think of movies or video games. But tomb raiders are real, and they are on the loose in Asia.

Tomb raiders are robbing historic sites in India, China Cambodia and elsewhere. The raiders hope to dig up as many ancient cultural artifacts as possible. They sell these artifacts to middlemen, who export them to the West for a large profit. Many of the artifacts end up in the hands of private collectors in Europe or America.

Each year, archeologists grow more concerned about the worldwide trade of cultural artifacts. In China alone, tomb raiders have broken into more than 200,000 tombs over the past five years.

This situation might not be so sad if the artifacts remained in local museums. That way many people could appreciate their cultural and historical significance. The artifacts would be well cared for in museums, too.

But sadly, most raided artifacts are sold to individuals. As these artifacts disappear into private collections, Asia is losing important pieces of its precious heritage.

What’s the solution?

Asia’s tomb-raiding problem is depressing, but understandable. Tomb raiders are often simple farmers from poor rural areas. Artifacts from one tomb can be sold for a year’s pay. For these poor farmers, the opportunity to raid is just too tempting.

Westerners also share the guilt. Their endless desire for Asian artifacts keeps demand high.

Money-hungry middlemen with few ethics keep the trading business alive. Finally, laws against artifact trading are unclear and hard to enforce. It’s not surprising that trading has increased so fast.

Is there a solution to the problem of tomb raiding? Westerners, for their part, should refrain from buying Asian artifacts with unknown backgrounds. If collectors realize how destructive raiding can be, the demand for Asian artifacts might decrease. Asian countries should also make stronger laws to punish middlemen.

Asian countries could even legalize and manage the sale of artifacts. That would allow more artifacts and more money to remain in Asia. The countries would be preserving their heritage and helping their people, too. What do you think is the best solution?

• on the loose 逍遙法外 : That mean dog is on the loose in our neighborhood! I hope it doesn’t bite anyone.
• raid 劫掠 : After the people left the village, thieves came in and raided all the houses.