Read Hoving's book "Cross of the Confessors" for the story of how he
acquired a unique artifact of HIGHLY dubious origins for the collection of
The Cloisters.

Harry Needham
Special Advisor - Programme Development
Canadian War Museum
330 Sussex Drive,
Ottawa, Canada
K1A 0M8
Voice: (819) 776-8612  Fax (819) 776-8623
Email: [log in to unmask]

> ----------
> From:         Simon[SMTP:[log in to unmask]]
> Reply To:     Museum discussion list
> Sent:         Tuesday, February 23, 1999 8:33 AM
> To:   [log in to unmask]
> Subject:      Illicit Materials
>
> A hypothetical and theroetical situation:
>
> The ICOM code of ethics states that it is highly unethical for
> museums to obtain or use illicit materials in a collection. But what
> should be done if the only examples of a valuable artefact needed for
> a certain collection are of dubious origins?
>
> I would appreciate any information on this matter.
>