The Need for a National Registry of Cultural Objects

Part I of this Note discusses a pending case, Republic of Turkey v. Metropolitan Museum, and then gives a brief historical overview of the developing regard for the cultural integrity of nations. Part II examines international convention as well as U.S. federal and common law principles as they apply to pilfered cultural objects. Part III proposes that the creation of a national registry of cultural objects, including a statute of limitations, is necessary. This Note concludes that a national registry of cultural objects is needed to balance more equitably the legitmate concerns of art-acquiring nations such as the United States with the concerns of art-rich nations, such as Turkey, which have little control over the illegal taking and export of objects integral to their cultural heritage. THE NEED FOR A NATIONAL REGISTRY OF CULTURAL OBJECTS