International Foundation for Cultural Property Protection

Source: El Paso Times

Source: M&HOnline

A rhino head was stolen from the Educational Museum in Haslemere, Surrey, on 27 May, and police believe the crime may be linked to a series of similar thefts across Europe, it has been reported.

The rhino head was the only item stolen from the museum, which houses over 240,000 natural history specimens, along with over 140,000 human history artefacts from around the world.

Det Con Dave Pellatt of Surrey Police suggested that, as there had been similar thefts around Europe, the gang could have stolen the head in order to remove its horns and sell them for use in alternative medicines.

According to the Telegraph, the increased interest in rhino horns may be traced back to the rocketing price of powdered horn and a 2009 ruling by the European Commission that said such animal trophies could be classed as works of art and could therefore be traded.

After realising the error, the ruling was reversed and a ban is currently being implemented, but it does not apply to items shaped before June 1947. It is understood the head stolen from the Surrey museum was donated in 1929.

Earlier this month, a representative of the Museum of Science, University of Coimbra, Portugal, also warned the world’s museum and heritage sector about the theft of rhino horns after it had two 18th century rhino horns stolen on 19 April.

The spokesperson said: “I have strong reasons to believe it is an international gang that most likely also attacked an auctioneer in Essex, UK, in February, and the Natural History Museum of Rouen, France, in March. Last year there were several robberies in South Africa. In all cases they only took rhino horns. As you know these can reach prices higher than gold in the Asian black market.

“I would like to put you on alert as it is my firm conviction that it will be very difficult to stop them after they choose a target. And they are choosing museums. I would strongly advise everybody to remove any rhino horns you may have from public display.

The director of the museum also warned that the horns stolen from the museum have been impregnated with toxic products for conservation, so should not be used for human consumption.

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Protecting Cultural Collections:

Disaster Prevention, Preparedness, Response & Recovery

Part 1: Prevention & Preparedness – 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

• Ft. Collins: Wednesday, June 22, 2011 – Colorado State University, Morgan Library

• Colorado Springs: Wednesday, June 29, 2011 – University of Colorado, Kraemer Family Library

Part 2: Response & Recovery – 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

• Ft. Collins: Tuesday, July 26, 2011 – Colorado State University, Morgan Library

• Colorado Springs: Thursday, July 28, 2011 – University of Colorado, Kraemer Family Library

Sponsored by Western States & Territories Preservation Assistance Service (WESTPAS)

Instructor: Julie Page, Co-Coordinator, California Preservation Program and WESTPAS

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The “Protecting Cultural Collections” workshops are presented in a 2-part sequence to produce the following outcomes for disaster preparedness activities:

• Complete a disaster response & collection salvage plan by the end of Part 2
• Learn how to train staff to implement your plan effectively
• Set pre- and post-disaster action priorities for your collections
• Understand practical decision-making skills needed during an emergency
• Experience salvage procedures for a wide variety of material including books, documents, photos & documents

The workshop days are scheduled 4 weeks apart. Participants will prepare short assignments prior to the first session; between sessions, they will undertake additional assignments resulting in a completed disaster plan at the end of Part 2. Upon completion, the institution will be invited to join an informal network of WESTPAS trained personnel to provide mutual aid in the event of emergencies involving collections in the region.

Who should attend: Administrators and staff responsible for emergency preparedness, response and decision-making, in all types of cultural institutions.  By registering for the workshop, the institution commits to supporting the attendee(s) to achieve the workshop's disaster preparedness goals. When possible, please send two attendees so they can work together on the disaster preparedness activities.

Cost: No charge to the institution.  Funding provided by the National Endowment for the Humanities. Co-sponsored by the Colorado State Library.

Registration: Pre-registration required. Register online at: WESTPAS workshop http://tiny.cc/ZePOL

For registration assistance contact: Kathy Krause This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

For general & content information contact: Julie Page This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it