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.

Designed for students in courses in archaeology, heritage, museology and art history, this brief video graphically shows the critical link between the beautiful objects in museums and private collections and the destruction of heritage.

Dr. Arlen F. Chase is Chair of the Department of Anthropology and a Pegasus Professor at University of Central Florida. Diane Z. Chase is Executive Vice Provost and a Pegasus Professor at UCF. For the last two decades, the Chases have co-directed excavations at Caracol, Belize. Jointly, they have coauthored or coedited Investigations at the Classic Maya City of Caracol Belize: 1985-1987; A Postclassic Perspective: Excavations at the Maya Site of Santa Rita Corozal, Belize; Mesoamerican Elites: An Archaeological Assessment; and Studies in the Archaeology of Caracol, Belize. They serve as the Maya Studies Series Editors for the University Press of Florida.Dr. Arlen F. Chase is Chair of the Department of Anthropology and a Pegasus Professor at University of Central Florida. Diane Z. Chase is Executive Vice Provost and a Pegasus Professor at UCF. For the last two decades, the Chases have co-directed excavations at Caracol, Belize. Jointly, they have coauthored or coedited Investigations at the Classic Maya City of Caracol Belize: 1985-1987; A Postclassic Perspective: Excavations at the Maya Site of Santa Rita Corozal, Belize; Mesoamerican Elites: An Archaeological Assessment; and Studies in the Archaeology of Caracol, Belize. They serve as the Maya Studies Series Editors for the University Press of Florida.