Archaeological heritage management and looting antiquities in the Republic of Moldova

In this article the author addresses the issue of the legal framework regarding the management of archaeological heritage and theft of antiquities in Moldova. The study presents concrete situations illustrating the bad situation about preservation of archaeological heritage, the phenomenon of the spread of illegal archaeology and trafficking of antiques in Moldova. Although the national legislation contains certain provisions about administrative and criminal punishment of persons committing abuse and crimes that lead to the deterioration and destruction of archaeological heritage, so far nobody has been actually punished for damage, destruction or illegal trade of cultural goods. According to some unofficial data, in Moldova are over 1500 owners of metal detectors, which are used extensively by “archaeologists poachers”. Traces of illegal interventions by “treasure hunters” have been observed on the surface of most popular sites archaeological sites at Costeşti (Ialoveni) and Butuceni (Orheiul Vechi) etc. The sale of cultural goods, including archaeological artifacts, is taking place openly without any control from the state bodies. A proof of this is the so-called “stock exchange” taking place each weekend in the restaurant Garcorix on V.Alecsandri str., no. 78 from Chişinău, where can be found numismatic and archaeological objects. The Moldovan government should develop an efficient and sustainable policy for the protection of archaeological heritage to combat the negative phenomena that contribute to the destruction of cultural heritage.