Standards and Guidelines
Resolution Concerning the Acquisition of Cultural Properties Originating in Foreign Countries
Adopted by the CAA Board of Directors on April 28, 1973.
Recognizing that Museums, whatever be their specialty, have a communality of interests and concerns, which comes into particularly sharp focus in matters of ethics and professional behavior; that they are the custodian of man’s material heritage and of that part of his natural heritage which he has collected for study and transmission to future generations; and further recognizing that, in their search for collections, Museums have in the past either engaged in, or tolerated on the part of others, activities often detrimental to the integrity of their mission, the representatives of the organizations listed below recommend that the following statement of basic principles be adopted by the governing bodies of these organizations to guide Museums, their boards and their staffs in the acquisition of cultural properties:
Be it resolved that the organizations listed below cooperate fully with foreign countries in their endeavors to preserve cultural property and its documentation and to prevent illicit traffic in such cultural property.
These organizations believe that Museums can henceforth best implement such cooperation by refusing to acquire through purchase, gift, or bequest cultural property exported in violation of the laws obtaining in the countries of origin.
They further believe that the governing bodies, directors and curators of Museums should, in determining the propriety of acquiring cultural property, support and be guided by the policies of the UNESCO Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Export, Import and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property and the implementing provisions adopted by the signatory states.
It is recommended that all nations establish effective export laws and develop proper controls over export so that illicit traffic may be stopped at its sources. However, wherever possible, within the limits of national law, consideration should be given to legitimate and honorable means for the acquisition of cultural property. It is hoped that nations will release for acquisition, long term loan, or exchange, cultural property of significance for the advancement of knowledge and for the benefit of all peoples.
In order to augment and clarify further the intent of this resolution and determine methods of accomplishing its aims, the governing body of a museum should promulgate an appropriate acquisition policy statement commensurate with its by-laws and operational procedures, taking into consideration the International Council of Museums’ recommendations on “Ethics of Acquisition.”
Authors and Contributors
Charles E. Buckley, President, American Association of Museums; Paul N. Perrot, Chairman, US Committee, International Council of Museums; Joshua C. Taylor, College Art Association of America; Sherman E. Lee, Association of Art Museum Directors; Rodney Young, President, Archeological Institute of America; Charles R. McGimsey, American Anthropological Association.
