[Geritol]

"If Yale can't produce a transfer of ownership from Peru, Yale is in possession of stolen property."


Wow. If I visit Mexico or wherever, and buy any native art or handiwork or anything at all really, and do not have a bill of sale that matches the bill of sale that the sellers have, I am in possession of stolen goods.

Seems like all the seller has to do is lose their copy, and I am now in possession of stolen goods. Great racket if you can get into it.

[mugs99]

Seems like all the seller has to do is lose their copy, and I am now in possession of stolen goods.

If the state wants to prosecute it, yes you are. That's why it's wise to keep your receipts.
My hobby is collecting ancient artifacts. I always make sure my butt is covered when I make a purchase.

The artifacts in question do not belong to the museum. They want to base their defense on "that's the way it was done back then". If I tried that as a private collector I would be SOL. The museum should have to abide by the same law as a private collector.
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