press releases
Emergency Import Restriction on Byzantine Ecclesiastical and Ritual Ethnological Material From Cyprus is Extended
The United States yesterday extended an emergency import restriction on Byzantine ecclesiastical and ritual ethnological material from Cyprus unless such material is accompanied by an export permit issued by the Government of the Republic of Cyprus. The determination to extend this restriction for three years, the maximum allowable by law, was made after considering a favorable recommendation from the Cultural Property Advisory Committee.
This emergency restriction first went into effect in April 1999. It was in response to a request from the Government of the Republic of Cyprus seeking protection of its cultural heritage under Article 9 of the 1970 UNESCO Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property. This Convention represents an international framework of cooperation among nations to reduce the illicit movement of cultural property across international borders. Under the Convention, Cyprus was the first country in the Mediterranean region to seek the help of the United States in protecting its cultural property.
Materials produced during the Byzantine period illustrate the high degree of artistic achievement on Cyprus and include some of the finest pieces of Byzantine art ever produced. International recognition of certain Byzantine monuments on the island is exemplified by their inscription on the World Heritage List. The categories of Byzantine ritual and ecclesiastical ethnological material subject to the import restriction include objects of metal, wood, ivory and bone, textiles, stone (mosaics), and frescos (wall paintings). They range in date from approximately the 4th century A.D. through approximately the 15th century A.D.
The Department of State carries out decision-making responsibilities under the Convention on Cultural Property Implementation Act. The Act enables the United States to impose import restrictions on archaeological and ethnological material in accordance with the 1970 UNESCO Convention when pillage of such material causes jeopardy to the cultural heritage of the country of origin. The Department also supports the Cultural Property Advisory Committee, appointed by the President, in carrying out its responsibilities under the Act.
An image database and further information about the international cultural property protection can be found at http://exchanges.state.gov/culprop.
Department of State
Office of the Spokesman
Washington, D.C.
September 3, 2003