Pre-Columbian "art" and Christie's

Roland Lloyd Parry has reported today (September 6, 2007) in The Art Newspaper that "Christie’s axes pre-Columbian sales".

He quotes Christie’s spokeswoman Sara Fox, “Our decision was made out of pure business considerations, not as a reaction to lobbying by foreign governments".

In spite of the announcement the Christie's website continues to announce:

"Previously regularly held in Paris, Pre-Columbian Art auctions have returned to New York and will be held twice a year, in May and November.

Interest among worldwide buyers and collectors in Pre-Columbian art continues to grow steadily as is demonstrated by the world auction record prices Christie’s has achieved such as $1.1 million for a Pre-Columbian work with a Mayan Jade Plaque (New York, 2004); $332,050 for a Mayan Codex Plate (Paris, 2004); and $124,679 for a Chimu Silver Figure (Paris, 2003).

The department is pleased to answer any inquiries about the market conditions and arrange insurance and estate valuations."

But not for much longer.

Such news comes in the wake of recent returns of archaeological material to Peru, as well as the revised memorandum of agreement between the US and Peru (June 2007). (For full details.)