Archaeological remains - who cares?

[Robert Vermaat]

Well, some answers then.

Can it be possible for countries/governments and museums to negotiate about works that are discovered to be "stolen" or smuggled, as to whether the museum can keep them or be returned? Could the country of origin be willing to let the museum in question keep the pieces, as a way of sharing culture and knowledge et al? Wouldn't the country be proud to allow a foriegn museum to display that country's artifacts?

All depends on the countries involved, the goodwill and the relations. Depending on what sort of artefact and the individual case (a recently stolen Rembrandt is different from the Elgin marbles), different laws apply. See below.

Can it be possible that if the country of origin is determined to have the piece(s) returned, can there be a "grace" period

There is no law that regulates material sold under earlier regimes. In such cases, it's pure goodwill when items are returned. For stuff like stolen artwork, international law applies.

(is it not better to have a copy of the piece to look at rather than not being able to see it at all?)

That's something that museums already do with their own collection!

What about the people who collect art, and later find out it was stolen, are they now the "bad guy"? Why should they be harrassed and bullied when they did not know thier source was illegal, people can be decieved by even the most legitamate looking company/dealer.

No, that's their risk. Let the buyer beware! Claiming ignorance is no defence, because everybody can claim ignorance. Too bad, but that's the law in most countries - when you buy something, you must be aware of provenance. there's always a grey area, of course, but in the case of archaeological artefacts ar artwork, well, there's enough discussion to make everybody watch what they buy.

And where is the pursecution of those illegal dealers, thieves and smugglers? Can't these people do something better to make a living? What's the government doing to help thier citizens out? Why are they focusing on beating down museums for [stolen] art?

If they can be caught, punishment is severe. Jail time in the UK, Germany.

Why is it on stations like PBS and BBC and History Channel that have these great programs on important discoveries or explorations of artifacts, they always run out of funding and/or time at the very last minute?

That's just to fool you into thinking that there was really something to find, had they not 'just' run out of money. :twisted: It's a scam! There was nothing there to begin with!