RED LIST OF

ENDANGEREDCULTURAL OBJECTSOFCENTRAL AMERICA
AND MEXICO
BelizeCosta Rica
El Salvador
GuatemalaHonduras
MexicoNicaragua
PanamaIST L OBJECTSR E DCLULTURAEREDCOOF ENDANGAL AMERICA AND MEXIOF CENTR

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U
O
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ListE
EN PÉRIL

Experts from Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica andPanama have prepared the Red List of Endangered Cultural Objects of Central America and
Mexico in order to combat looting and destruction of regional archaeological sites and theftfrom churches and museums, as well as illegal trafficking, thus helping police, judicial andcustoms authorities in their work, building public awareness and promoting international
cooperation to protect the cultural heritage of these countries.

uitÉs ADES Antiq

FGHANESThis Red List is the seventh in the series published by ICOM to date.

Introduction

Objective

The cultural heritage of Mexico, Guatemala,Belize, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua,
Costa Rica and Panama consists of items
that may be identified by their specificcharacteristics. They were produced byvarious prehispanic, colonial and republican
societies, and represent the historic memoryof these nations.

This Red List has been designed as a tool
to help museums, art traders, collectors
and customs and police officers in the identification of objects that may have been illegally
exported from Mexico, Guatemala, Belize,
El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa
Rica and Panama. The list describes several
categories of endangered objects that may
be subject to illicit trade.

The rich cultural heritage of these countries
is affected by illegal trafficking, despite being
protected by national and international
legislation. Over the past twenty years,
illegal exports of cultural objects have beenintercepted, proving the increased interest
in antiquities on the international market.
This demand has encouraged clandestinediggings in archaeological sites, as well as
increased theft from churches and museums.
Illegal trafficking of cultural objects fromthe region causes irreparable damage to theidentity of these countries and is a severe
cultural heritage loss for mankind.

© 2009, ICOM, All rights reserved.

Because of the wide range of objects, shapes,
styles and periods, the Red List of Endangered
Cultural Objects of Central America and Mexico
is not exhaustive, and the origin of any
antiquity from the region should be subject todetailed scrutiny and precautionary measures.
These objects are protected by legislationin each country, which specifically prohibits
their traffic, export and sale. Therefore,museums, auction houses, art traders andcollectors are urged not to purchase them,and are invited to report their presence tothe relevant country’s diplomatic mission,
to local police authorities and to Interpol.

Note: The images in this publication are of objects held by national museums;
they are published here as a comparison guide to help identify objects that may
be subject to illegal trafficking.

The cultural heritage of Central America and Mexico is protected by:
NATIONAL LEGISLATIONSINTERNATIONAL INSTRUMENTS

BELIZEUNESCO Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing
the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property.
Paris, 14 November 1970.

Ordinance 20 on Ancient Monuments and Antiquities (31.12.1971).
National Institute of Culture and History Act,
Chapter 331 of the Substantive Laws of Belize 2000. Revised Edition 2003.
COSTA RICA

Ratified by: Belize (26.01.1990), Costa Rica (06.03.1996), El Salvador(20.02.1978), Guatemala (14.01.1985), Honduras (19.03.1979)
and Nicaragua (19.04.1977).

Constitution (1949).

Accepted by: Mexico (04.10.1972) and Panama (13.08.1973).

Law 7 on the Defence of the National Archaeological Heritage (06.10.1938),
and Regulations “a” in Decree No. 14.

Convention on the Protection of the Archaeological, Historical and Artistic
Heritage of the American Nations. San Salvador, 16 June 1976.

Law 6703 on the Protection of the National Archaeological Heritage(19.01.1982), and its Regulations.

Ratified by: Costa Rica (27.08.1980), El Salvador (11.08.1980),
Guatemala (17.11.1979), Honduras (06.07.1983)
and Nicaragua (01.04.1980).

Law 4711 on the UNESCO 1968 Recommendation on the Preservationof Cultural Property Endangered by Public and Private Works (06.01.1971).
Law 7555 on the Historic Architectonic Heritage of Costa Rica (27.09.1995).

UNIDROIT Convention on Stolen or Illegally Exported Cultural Objects.
Rome, 24 June 1995.

El SALVADOR

Ratified by: El Salvador (16.07.1999) and Guatemala (03.09.2003).

Legislative Decree No. 513 - Special Law on the Protectionof El Salvador’s Cultural Heritage (22.04.1993).

UNESCO Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property
in the Event of Armed Conflict, and Regulations for the applicationof the Convention. The Hague, 14 May 1954.

GUATEMALA
Decree No. 425 - Law on the Protection and Conservationof Monuments, Archaeological, Historical and Traditional Objects (24.03.1966),
amended by Decree-Law No. 437.
Decree No. 17-73 of the Penal Code (01.01.1974).
Decree No. 26-97 - Law on the Protection of the Nation’s Cultural
and Natural Heritage (09.04.1997).
Regulations for Archaeological Research and Related Disciplines (16.03.2007).
HONDURAS
Legislative Decree No. 81-84 - Law on the Protection of Cultural Heritage (1984),
amended by Decree No. 220-97 (1997).
MEXICO
Sections 27, 28, 29 and 31 of the Constitution (1917).
Federal Law on Archaeological, Artistic and Historic Monuments
and Zones (06.05.1972), and its Regulations (08.12.1975).
General Law on National Property (23.12.1981).
Regulatory Provisions for Archaeological Research (1984).
NICARAGUA
Decree No. 1142 - Law on the Protection of the National Cultural Heritage(29.09.1980).
Decrees No. 21 and 22 on Archaeological and Paleontological Ruins
and Deposits, Archaeological Excavations, Removal of Idols
or Other Property of Historical Interest (1949).
Decree No. 29 on the Export of Archaeological Property (15.02.1923).
Decree No. 304 on Archaeological Excavations.

Ratified by: El Salvador (19.07.2001), Mexico (07.05.1956)
and Nicaragua (25.11.1959).
Accepted by: Costa Rica (03.06.1998), Guatemala (02.10.1985),
Honduras (25.10.2002) and Panama (17.07.1962).
Protocol to the 1954 Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property
in the Event of Armed Conflict. The Hague, 14 May 1954.
Ratified by: Mexico (07.05.1956) and Nicaragua (25.11.1959).
Accepted by: Costa Rica (03.06.1998), El Salvador (27.03.2002),
Guatemala (19.05.1994), Honduras (25.10.2002)
and Panama (08.03.2001).
Second Protocol to the 1954 Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property
in the Event of Armed Conflict. The Hague, 26 March 1999.
Accepted by: Costa Rica (09.12.2003), El Salvador (27.03.2002),
Guatemala (04.02.2005), Honduras (26.01.2003), Mexico (07.10.2003),
Nicaragua (01.06.2001) and Panama (08.03.2001).
Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural
and Natural Heritage. Paris, 16 November 1972.
Ratified by: Belize (06.11.1990), Costa Rica (23.08.1977),
Guatemala (16.01.1979), Honduras (08.06.1979)and Panama (03.03.1978).
Accepted by: El Salvador (08.10.1991), Mexico (23.02.1984)
and Nicaragua (17.12.1979).
Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage.
Paris, 2 November 2001.
Ratified by: Mexico (05.07.2006) and Panama (20.05.2003).

PANAMA

BILATERAL AGREEMENTS

Law 67 on various provisions relating to Monuments
and Archaeological Objects (11.06.1941).

Belize-Mexico; El Salvador-United States; El Salvador-Mexico;
Guatemala-United States; Guatemala-Mexico;
Honduras-United States; Mexico-Bolivia; Mexico-United States; Mexico-Peru;
Nicaragua-United States.

Constitution (1972).
Law 14 on Measures for the Custody, Conservation and Administrationof the National Historical Heritage (1982).
Decree No. 364 on the Reporting of National Property (1979).

R E D L IST O F E N D A N G E R E D C U L T U R A L O B
THE RED LIST INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING CATEGORIES:(These photographs are not reproductions of stolen objects; rather they are examples of the categories of cultural objects that are traded illegally.)
ICOM wishes to thank the following organizations for the illustrations provided.

BIA: Belize Institute of Archaeology

MCD-MLA: Museo del Libro Antiguo, Guatemala

DIA-FS: Founders Society, Detroit Institute of Arts, United States of America
IHAH: Instituto Hondureño de Antropología e Historia, Honduras

MCD-MUNAE: Ministry of Culture and Sports, Cultural and Natural Heritage Bureau,
Museo Nacional de Arqueología y Etnología, Guatemala

INAH: Instituto Nacional de Antropología e Historia, Mexico

MNN: Museo Nacional de Nicaragua

MAC: Museo de Arte Colonial, Guatemala

MUNA: Museo Nacional de Antropología “David J. Guzmán“, El Salvador

PREHISPANIC PERIOD
Ceramics
Earthenware vessels of various shapes and decorations, with painted, sculpted or bas-relief designs.
A/ Polychrome vessels
Painted with various colours, with geometric, human, animal, plant motifs and ancient writing.

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1

3

2

6

5
1. Maya polychrome tripod plate, Guatemala, 550-900 AD, 7.7 x 34 cm.
© MCD-MUNAE
2. Maya polychrome vessel, Guatemala, 550-900 AD, 14 x 10 cm. © MCD-MUNAE
3. Nicoya polychrome vessel, El Salvador, 900-1524 AD, 20.9 x 12.9 cm. © MUNA

7
8
6. Polychrome bowl, Ometepe Island, Nicaragua, 1350-1550 AD, 15.5 x 17 cm.
© Maya Bracher, MNN

4. Drinking bowl, El Salvador, 250-900 AD, 7.7 x 16.6 cm. © MUNA

7. Mixtec tripod vessel, Mexico, 1300-1521 AD, 16.4 x 11.2 cm.
© R. Velasco Alonso, INAH

5. Ulua polychrome tripod vessel, Valle de Sula, Honduras, 700-900 AD,
23 x 19.8 cm. © IHAH

8. Jicote polychrome vessel, Gran Nicoya, Costa Rica, 1000-1400 AD, 33.4 x 20 cm.
© Dirk Bakker, DIA-FSB J E C TS O F C E NT R A L A M E R I C A A N D M E X I C O
B/ Vessels with effigies
Vessels with shapes depicting humans, animals, and/or plants.

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12
11
9
14

15

13

17
16

9. Pataki polychrome vessel, Gran Nicoya, Costa Rica, 1000-1400 AD, 34.5 x 25.5 cm.
© Dirk Bakker, DIA-FS
10. Incense burner lid with bird-like figure, Nicaragua, 800-1200 AD, 29.5 x 20 cm.
© Maya Bracher, MNN

13. Whistle vessel, Guanajuato, Mexico, 900-1100 AD, 21.3 x 10.4 x 27.6 cm.
© R. Velasco Alonso, INAH
14. Maya zoomorphic vessel, Guatemala, 250-600 AD, 19.8 x 14.5 cm.
© MCD-MUNAE
15. Leaden pot, El Salvador, 900-1524 AD, 18.4 x 18.3 cm. © MUNA

11. Ometepe polychrome vessel with effigy, Nicaragua, 1350-1550 AD,
19 x 14.5 x 20 cm. © Maya Bracher, MNN

16. Rosales vessel with human effigy, Gran Nicoya, Costa Rica, 200 BC-300 AD,
23.5 x 20 cm. © Dirk Bakker, DIA-FS

12. Las Vegas polychrome vessel with effigy, Valle de Comayagua, Honduras,
1200-1500 AD, 17.4 x 11 cm. © IHAH

17. Funerary urn, Quiché, Guatemala, 550-900 AD, 52.5 x 47 cm. © MCD-MUNAE

C/ Stamps
Flat or cylindrical objects used to print designs.
18

20
19

18. Flat stamps, Valle de Sula, Honduras, 700-900 AD, 7 x 3.5 cm. © IHAH
19. Anthropomorphic stamps, Valle de Sula, Honduras, 700-900 AD, 7 x 3.5 cm.
© IHAH

20. Cylindrical stamps, Valle de Sula, Honduras, 700-900 AD, 7 x 3.5 cm. © IHAH

R E D L IST O F E N D A N G E R E D C U L T U R A L O B
D/ Figurines
Human, animal and/or combined human/animal figurines.

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22

26

24

23

25

21. Anthropomorphic figurines, Quiché, Guatemala, 600-900 AD, 21 x 11 cm.
© MCD-MUNAE

25. Whistle, High plateau of Guatemala, 250-900 AD, 14 x 7 cm. © MCD-MUNAE
26. Hollow anthropomorphic figurine, Central Veracruz, Mexico, 200-650 AD,
55 x 32 x 35 cm. © R. Velasco Alonso, INAH

22. Figurine, Copán, Honduras, 700-900 AD, 12.4 x 8.8 cm. © IHAH
23. Jaina figurine, Mexico, 600-900 AD, ca. 20 cm. © INAH.
24. Anthropomorphic figurine, El Salvador, 1200 BC-250 AD, 16.6 x 8.7 cm. © MUNA

E/ Musical instruments
Flutes, drums, rattles, ocarinas, whistles of various shapes.
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28

29

27

27. Anthropomorphic ocarina, Valle de Sula, Honduras, 700-900 AD, 10.2 x 9 cm.
© IHAH

29. Double drum, Altar de Sacrificios, Guatemala, 900-1524 AD, 19.3 x 9 cm.
© MCD-MUNAE

28. Ocarina, Petén, Guatemala, 250-900 AD, 10 x 5.1 cm. © MCD-MUNAE

30. Flute with skull effigy, El Salvador, 250-900 AD, 21 x 5 cm. © MUNAB J E C TS O F C E NT R A L A M E R I C A A N D M E X I C OMetalsObjects and ornaments made of gold, silver and copper.
Ornaments
Pectorals, pendants, ear ornaments, nose ornaments, rings, bracelets and bells.
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31

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35

36
37

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40

31. Copper bell, El Salvador, 900-1524 AD, 3.7 x 2.4 x 1.8 cm. © MUNA

36. Gold paten, Diquís, Costa Rica, 1000-1500 AD, 18.5 cm.
© Dirk Bakker, DIA-FS

32. Mexica gold spherical beads for necklace, Mexico, 1300-1521 AD, diameter 2.5 cm.
© R. Velasco Alonso, INAH

37. Bird-shape pendant, Diquís, Costa Rica, 1000-1500 AD, 10.1 x 10.3 cm.
© Dirk Bakker, DIA-FS

33. Jaguar head necklace, Iximché, Guatemala, 900-1524 AD, 27 cm.
© MCD-MUNAE

38. Tubular ear ornaments, Gumarkaj, Guatemala, 900-1524 AD, diameter 3.2 cm.
© MCD-MUNAE

34. Anthropomorphic pendant, Diquís, Costa Rica, 1000-1500 AD, 8.1 x 7.5 cm.
© Dirk Bakker, DIA-FS

39. Mixtec gold ear ornament, Mexico, 1300-1521 AD, 7.5 x 3.5 cm.
© R. Velasco Alonso, INAH

35. Toad bell pendant, Diquís, Costa Rica, 1000-1500 AD, 11.2 x 11 cm.
© Dirk Bakker, DIA-FS

40. Mixtec gold disc pendant, Mexico, 1300-1521 AD, 7.5 x 3.5 cm.
© R. Velasco Alonso, INAH

Shells and bones
Objects and ornaments made from shells and human or animal bones and teeth.
A/ Ornaments

42

Pendants, ear ornaments, pectorals, necklaces, rings.
41. Batch of pierced shells, Aguateca, Guatemala, 600-900 AD, average 6.5 x 2.5 cm.
© MCD-MUNAE

41

42. Shell pendant and ear ornaments, Dos Pilas, Guatemala, 250-900 AD,
ear ornaments: 5.5 x 1.9 cm; pendant: diameter 5 cm. © MCD-MUNAE

B/ Ceremonial objects
Fashioned shell, bones and teeth.
43. Bone musical instruments: flute, Iximché, Guatemala,900-1500 AD, 21 x 4 cm; rasp, Altar de Sacrificios, Guatemala,600-900 AD, 14.3 x 4.5 cm. © MCD-MUNAE
44. Maya carved bone, Petén, Guatemala, 550-900 AD, 14 x 6 cm.
© MCD-MUNAE

4344

R E D L IST O F E N D A N G E R E D C U L T U R A L O B
PREHISPANIC PERIOD (continued)
Stone
Fashioned objects made from various types of volcanic rock, sandstone and sedimentary rock.
A/ Jade and other green stones
Ornaments such as masks, figurines, pectorals, pendants, ear ornaments, necklaces and beads.

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45
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49

48

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52

50
51

45. Anthropomorphic mask, Petén, Guatemala, 250-900 AD, 12.3 cm.
© MCD-MUNAE
46. Jadeite plate, Petén, Guatemala, 250-900 AD, 9.5 x 8.5 cm. © MCD-MUNAE
47. Zoomorphic figurine, Petén, Guatemala, 250-900 AD, 16.2 cm.
© MCD-MUNAE
48. Mexica necklace made with green stone, serpentine and diorite beads,
Mexico, 1300-1521 AD, 2.5 x 52 cm. © R. Velasco Alonso, INAH
49. Jade pectoral, El Salvador, 250-900 AD, 7 x 10.4 x 1.6 cm. © MUNA

54
50. Stone pendant, Caribbean coast, Costa Rica, 100-500 AD, 7.4 x 3.8 cm.
© Dirk Bakker, DIA-FS
51. Jade pectoral, El Salvador, 250-900 AD, 6.9 x 3.7 x 1.3 cm. © MUNA
52. “Axe god“ pendant, Gran Nicoya, Costa Rica, 1-400 AD, 12.9 x 5.2 cm.
© Dirk Bakker, DIA-FS
53. Batch of two ear ornaments, Petén, Guatemala, 250-900 AD, 1 cm.
© MCD-MUNAE
54. Pectoral with grass matting motif, Copán, Honduras, 700-900 AD,
20.1 x 3.5 x 1.9 cm. © IHAH

B J E C TS O F C E NT R A L A M E R I C A A N D M E X I C O
B/ Sculpture
Human and animal figures, grinding stones, stellae, vessels, panels, segments of buildings, petroglyphs.

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55. Merlon, Teotihuacan, State of Mexico, 200-650 AD, 27.5 x 17 x 5.8 cm.
© R. Velasco Alonso, INAH
56. Head portrait in volcanic rock, Caribbean coast, Costa Rica, 1000-1400 AD,
15 x 13 cm. © Dirk Bakker, DIA-FS

61. Zoomorphic tenon, Kaminaljuyú, Guatemala, 250-900 AD, 70 x 145 cm.
© MCD-MUNAE

57. Zoomorphic mushroom, Kaminaljuyú, Guatemala, 400 BC-250 AD,
28.5 x 14.5 cm. © MCD-MUNAE

62. Maya limestone lintel, Mexico, 650-900 AD, 84.5 x 43.5 x 6 cm.
© R. Velasco Alonso, INAH

58. Zoomorphic petroglyph, Las Lagunas, Nicaragua, indeterminate date,
150 x 95 cm. © Edgar Espinoza, MNN

63. Warrior with axe and trophy head, Atlantic coast, Costa Rica, 1000-1400 AD,
61 x 38 cm. © Dirk Bakker, DIA-FS

59. Anthropomorphic cylindrical sculpture, El Rama, Nicaragua,
possibly 800-1350 AD, 50 x 15 cm. © Edgar Espinoza, MNN

64. Glyph panel, Petén, Guatemala, 550-900 AD, 76 x 39 x 27 cm.
© MCD-MUNAE

60. Grinding stone with bas-relief and grinding implement, Gran Nicoya,
Costa Rica, 600-1200 AD, 23 x 22 x 134 cm. © Dirk Bakker, DIA-FS

65. Stele No. 3 from Machaquila, Petén, Guatemala, 550-900 AD,
180 x 93 x 22 cm. © MCD-MUNAE

R E D L IST O F E N D A N G E R E D C U L T U R A L O B
C/ Ceremonial objects
Eccentrics, ritual axes, yokes, masks, ornamental sceptre tips and scale models.

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66. Maya green stone votive mask, Campeche, Mexico, 200-850 AD, 10 x 10 x 5 cm.
© R. Velasco Alonso, INAH
67. Ceremonial mallet head, Gran Nicoya, Costa Rica, 1-500 AD, 8.5 x 7.7 cm.
© Dirk Bakker, DIA-FS
68. Mescal green stone zoomorphic mask, Guerrero, Mexico, 900-1100 AD,
12 x 10 x 8 cm. © R. Velasco Alonso, INAH
69. Anthropomorphic axe, South coast, Guatemala, 550-900 AD, 29.6 x 22.5 cm.
© MCD-MUNAE
70. Bird-shape ceremonial axe, El Salvador, 250-900 AD, 26.2 x 21 cm.
© MUNA

71. Mescal green stone scale model, Guerrero, Mexico, 400-1100 AD, 13 x 9 x 2.9 cm.
© R. Velasco Alonso, INAH
72. Yoke with animal decoration, South coast, Guatemala, 550-900 AD, 10.5 x 38 cm.
© MCD-MUNAE
73. Eccentric, Copán, Honduras, 600-800 AD, 30.9 x 12.5 x 1.4 cm. © IHAH
74. Flint eccentric, Altar de Sacrificios, Guatemala, 550-900 AD, 13 x 5 cm.
© MCD-MUNAEB J E C TS O F C E NT R A L A M E R I C A A N D M E X I C O
D/ Marble and alabaster
Smooth or bas-relief containers.

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75. Four-legged plate, Tierras Altas, Guatemala, 400 BC-250 AD, 6.8 x 22.5 cm.
© MCD-MUNAE

77

76. Marble vase with animal-shaped handles, Valle de Sula, Honduras,
700-900 AD, 15.7 x 11 cm. © IHAH

77. Marble vessel, Valle de Sula, Honduras, 700-900 AD, 11.1 x 19.3 cm. © IHAH

E/ Obsidian
Projectile heads, eccentrics, punches, knives.
78

79
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78. Punch and knives, Petén, Guatemala, 550-900 AD, punch: 17 x 4.4 cm;
knives: 16.3 x 1.5 cm. © MCD-MUNAE
79. Eccentric figure, Uaxactún, Guatemala, 250-550 AD, 13.7 x 7 cm.
© MCD-MUNAE

80. Knife, Dos Pilas, Guatemala, 250-900 AD, 25 x 7 cm. © MCD-MUNAE

F/ Weapons and tools
Arrow heads, knives, axes, scrapers, polishers, mallets.

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84
81

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81. Stemmed macroblade dagger, Belize, 250 BC-250 AD, 22 x 45 cm. © BIA

83. Jade axe, El Salvador, 250-900 AD, 13.4 x 6.7 cm. © MUNA

82. Knife and chisel, Petén, Guatemala, 250-900 AD, knife: 17 x 7 cm; chisel: 17 x 8 cm.
© MCD-MUNAE

84. Stone ring, South coast, Guatemala, 250-900 AD, 12 x 6 cm. © MCD-MUNAE

R E D L IST O F E N D A N G E R E D C U L T U R A L O B
COLONIAL AND REPUBLICAN PERIODS
Painting
On canvas, wood or metal, with religious (virgins, saints, angels) and civilian (portraits) themes.

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86

87

85. Crucifixion, Guatemala, 18th century, 264 x 600 cm. © MAC
86. Our Lady of Sorrow, Guatemala, 18th century, 133 x 100 cm. © MAC

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87. Oil on canvas with wood frame signed by R. D. González, El Salvador,late 19th century, 88 x 74 cm. © MUNA
88. St Joseph the Patriarch with child, Honduras, 17th century, 200 x 140 cm. © IHAH

B J E C TS O F C E NT R A L A M E R I C A A N D M E X I C O
Sculpture
Figures, reliefs or fragments of altarpieces representing religious images, carved in wood, paste, ivory
and plaster.
A/ Figures
Virgin, saint, Christ and angel figures.

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94

95

89. Polychrome wood sculpture of flagellated Christ, El Salvador, 18th century, 51 cm.
© MUNA

93. Saint Joseph and sleeping baby Jesus, Guatemala, 17th century, 117 x 50 cm.
© MAC

90. Archangel, Guatemala, 18th century, 100 x 60 cm. © MAC

94. Articulated wood sculpture of Saint Joseph, El Salvador, 17th century, 50.3 x 18.5 cm.
© MUNA

91. Saint Anthony of Padua, Mexico, 18th century, 62 x 21 cm.
© R. Velasco Alonso, INAH
92. Saint Michael Archangel, Mexico, 18th century, 40 x 35 cm.
© R. Velasco Alonso, INAH

95. Immaculate Conception, Honduras, 18th century, 165 x 50 cm. © IHAH

R E D L IST O F E N D A N G E R E D C U L T U R A L O B
B/ Reliefs, altarpieces and architectural elements

97

Religious scenes, plant and ornamental elements.

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96. St Joseph and baby Jesus, Guatemala, 18th century, diameter 171 cm. © MAC

97. Nuns of the Order of St Clare, Guatemala, 18th century, 220 x 181 cm. © MAC

Documents
Manuscripts, antique documents, maps, plans and prints.

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98
100

98. Printed page with decorative border, Guatemala, undated, 41.4 x 30.4 cm.
© MCD-MLA
99. Document with seals of the Spanish Crown, El Salvador, 18th century, 21.5 x 31 cm.
© MUNA
100. Bound book (The Ingenious Hidalgo Don Quixote of La Mancha), Guatemala,17th century, 22 x 14.5 cm. © MCD-MLA
101

101. Leather-bound manuscript, Guatemala, 19th century, 28.8 x 20.5 cm.
© MCD-MLA

B J E C TS O F C E NT R A L A M E R I C A A N D M E X I C OSilverware
Religious and civilian silver and gold objects such as: chalices, incense burners, crucifixes, crowns, stands,
shields, tabernacles, altar fronts, chandeliers, utensils, decorations, vessels, etc.

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103

105
104

106

108
107
109
102. Chalices, Honduras, Colonial period, 20 x 14 cm. © IHAH
103. Anonymous monstrance, Mexico, 19th century, 52 x 24 x 14 cm.
© R. Velasco Alonso, INAH

106. Imperial crown, Guatemala, 18th century, 11 x 10 cm. © MCD
107. Silver tabernacle front, Guatemala, 18th century, 108 x 121 cm. © MCD

104. Silver tray, Guatemala, 18th century, 40 x 28 cm. © MCD

108. Processional cross, Guatemala, 17th century, 45 x 28 cm. © MCD

105. Candle holder, Guatemala, 18 century, 40 x 16 cm. © MCD

109. Silver stand, Guatemala, 19th century, 40 x 38 cm. © MCDth

ICOM AND THE PROTECTION OF CULTURAL HERITAGE

The International Council of Museums (ICOM), created in 1946 to represent museums and museum
professionals worldwide, is committed to the promotion and protection of natural and cultural heritage,
present and future, tangible and intangible. With a unique network of over 40,000 members in 138
countries and territories (2018), ICOM is active in a wide range of museum-and heritage-related disciplines.
ICOM maintains formal relations with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization(UNESCO) and has a consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)
as an expert in the fight against illicit traffic in cultural goods. ICOM also works in collaboration withorganisations such as INTERPOL and the World Customs Organization (WCO) to carry out some of its
international public service missions.
The protection of heritage in the event of natural disaster or armed conflict is also at the core of
ICOM’s work, thanks to its Disaster Risk Management Committee (DRMC) and through its strong
involvement in the international Blue Shield. ICOM has the ability to mobilise expert networks
in the field of cultural heritage from all over the world thanks to its numerous programmes.
In 2013, ICOM created the first International Observatory on Illicit Traffic in Cultural Goods in order toreinforce its action in fighting illicit traffic.
The Red Lists have been designed as practical tools to curb the illegal trade in cultural objects. ICOM
is grateful for the unwavering commitment of the experts and institutions who generously contributeto the success of the Red Lists.

This Red List was developed with the generous support of:

U.S. Department of State
Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs
Washington, D.C.

22, rue de Palestro - 75002 Paris - France
Tel.: +33 (0)1 47 34 05 00 - Fax: +33 (0)1 43 06 78 62
E-mail: illicit-traffic@icom.museum - Website: http://icom.museum

11/09 - TTT - Cover: Female figurine with rattle, El Salvador, 250-900 AD, 25.4 x 15.3 cm. © MUNAThe Red Lists are available at the following address: http://redlist.icom.museum