An article published by Science magazine highlights the launch of a pioneering project called the "Museum of Looted Antiquities" (MoLA). It is an entirely digital archive and museum dedicated to tracking and studying stolen artifacts worldwide.

Key Highlights from the Article:

• Massive Documentation Archive: The museum's digital catalog features data on nearly 1 million looted artifacts, gathered from 800 legal repatriation cases where items were returned to their rightful owners or countries of origin.
• Revealing the Scale of the Black Market: By analyzing the financial records of 650,000 repatriated items, the project's creators have provided the first reliable estimate of the global illicit antiquities trade, valuing it at approximately $2.5 billion since 1950.
• Preserving Critical Records: Traditional museums typically delete the data and provenance records of artifacts once they are repatriated. This digital museum steps in to ensure this valuable information remains accessible to the public and researchers.
• Virtual Exhibitions: The website offers exclusive digital exhibitions that allow visitors to understand the mechanics of the antiquities black market and explore repatriated pieces without needing to visit a physical museum.

🔗 Read the full original article here: Link