Loot

This brief, jolting film shows the hidden cost to the heritage of Latin American peoples caused by the trade in Precolumbian art by western museums and collectors. Archaeologists Arlen and Diane Chase show how the damage to archaeological sites done by looting belies claims that collecting ancient art helps preserve the past. They show the remains of looted tombs at the site of Caracol, Belize, and document the important information about the Maya past destroyed by looters. The film achieves balance by offering divergent perspectives on the topic, providing a forum for art dealers and collectors as well as documenting the perspectives of museum curators and government ministers assigned to protect culture. Designed for students in courses in archaeology, heritage, museology and art history, this video graphically shows the critical link between the beautiful objects in museums and on collectors' shelves and the destruction of heritage.