These video lectures and podcast interviews featuring noted authors and experts in the field of cultural heritage preservation are produced by members and friends of SAFE. We welcome your suggestions.
Ralph Frammolino on Chasing Aphrodite
SAFE's Senta German speaks to journalist Ralph Frammolino about his new book co-authored with Jason Felch, Chasing Aphrodite: The Hunt for Looted Antiquities at the World’s Richest Museum from research to the writing process. Professor German recently reviewed the book for SAFE here. In this 50 minute conversation, Frammolino talks about the underhanded art dealings at the J. Paul Getty Museum and the complex scandal that unfolded. He discusses how the compulsion to own beautiful antiquities in Malibu, California, motivated tombaroli in Italy to loot ancient sites. He sheds light on the "smoking gun memo" and the moment that led prosecutors to indict the museum's former antiquities curator Marion True. Frammolino's description of the looters, middlemen, archaeologists, museum curators, prosecutors, journalists, who were all "Chasing Aphrodite," is dazzling. The possibility that the statue may not depict Aphrodite after all (scholars now believe the figure is Persephone, Hera or Demeter) adds a touch of irony to the extraordinary saga. He describes the return of the statue to the Aidone Museum in Sicily in April 2011 ("She seems to be at home...") and looks forward to a future in which long-term loans may lessen the need for American and European museums to acquire ancient objects. As Frammolino says: "Just like it takes a village to raise a child, often it takes a scandal to stop a bad practice." Recording by Gary Pozner.
(June 02, 2011)
 | MP3 (56k) | ||
Donny George Youkhanna on Iraq
The former Chairman of the State Board of Antiquities and Heritage (SBAH) in Iraq speaks to Cindy Ho in this 38-minute interview. Dr. George discusses the circumstances surrounding his decision to leave Baghdad for the United States, where he currently serves as visiting professor at New York's Stony Brook University. The interview focuses on the continued looting of ancient sites in Iraq, the situation at the Iraq Museum, the recent recovery of the statue of Entemena, the disputed status of more than 1,000 Sumerian cuneiforms now at Cornell University. Dr. George concludes with recommendations for safeguarding Iraq's ancient sites and his near-term plans. (December 12, 2006)
| MP3 (56k) | ||
Nadia Tarzi on Afghan archaeology and cultural heritage
On August 14, 2009, Nadia Tarzi, founder of the Association for the Protection of Afghan Archaeology (APAA) and leader of the SAFE tour of the "Afghanistan: Hidden Treasures from the National Museum" exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art graciously agreed to sit down with SAFE member and volunteer Brooke Todsen to discuss the tour, her work with the APAA, and Afghan cultural preservation. A passionate advocate and speaker herself, she is also the daughter of renowned archaeologist Dr. Zemaryalai Tarzi who is Director for the Bamiyan Archaeological Mission and president of the APAA. Her unique heritage coupled with a fierce love of the culture for which she fights make Nadia a powerful force within the world of cultural preservation. In this fascinating 29-minute interview she provides insights into topics such as the Bamiyan Buddhas and the Fish Porch at Hadda. She also shares her vision for the future of cultural preservation, including ways to move forward in a positive and pro-active way. Thank you so much Nadia for your time and for your dedication to the preservation of cultural heritage.-Brooke Todsen
The interview appears on YouTube in four segments; Segment One, Segment Two, Segment Three, Segment Four.
(August 14, 2009) | MP3 (56k) | ||
Richard Leventhal on cultural heritage
With an impressive background that speaks for itself, Professor Richard Leventhal does not overlook the little people. Instead, he was willing to sit down with SAFE intern, Cherkea Howery to discuss the goals of the Penn Cultural Heritage Center. Over a quaint lunch in the office of Professor Leventhal at the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, Cherkea had the opportunity to chat with the charismatic giant in the field. A particularly passionate topic for the Professor concerned the role of museums and their future within the university. This issue has been raised frequently after the Brandeis University announced the closing of the Rose Art Museum. The topic is at the heart of discussing the value of University museums to create information and provide cutting-edge research to the general population. With a new book due to be published in a little over a year, this interview presents a bit of insight into Professor Leventhal’s self-proclaimed mission in fostering awareness about critical issues. As the PCHC gains momentum, we will see more outreach and education brought to a broad audience with active programs and lively discussions. SAFE would like to thank Professor Leventhal for offering his time and for organizing and leading this vital Center. — Cherkea Howery (March 27, 2009)
| MP3 (56k) | ||
Colin Renfrew on combating the illicit antiquities trade
On January 15, 2009 British archaeologist Colin Renfrew, retired Disney Professor of Archaeology at University of Cambridge, delivered the lecture "Combating the Illicit Antiquities Trade: A Time for Clarity" at New York's City University Graduate Center. In this rare presentation, following the SAFE 2009 Beacon Award Lecture in Phildaelphia, Professor Renfrew named museums and individuals responsible for enabling the illicit trafficking of antiquities. Originally broadcast on CUNY Radio, this lecture is now available as a SAFE podcast. We thank Professor Renfrew, City University of New York and CUNY Radio for making this possible. (January 15, 2009)
| MP3 (56k) | ||
Roger Atwood on Stealing History
In this 48-minute interview,Cindy Ho, speaks to author Roger Atwood about the writing of Stealing History. He discusses the global problem of antiquities looting and destruction of ancient sites, the role of museums in stemming the illicit antiquities trade. Mr. Atwood provides inside glimpse into the research and writing of his award-winning book. and also offers advice for journalists and writers who hope to publish in this increasingly popular field of study. (November 14, 2006)
| MP3 (56k) |  |
Windows Media (56k) |
Peter Watson on The Medici Conspiracy
In this one-hour video lecture, Peter Watson, co-author of The Medici Conspiracy describes how investigations of the illicit antiquties trade led to the trial of antiquities dealers Giacomo Medici and Robert Hecht, and former Getty Museum curator Marion True. In a wide-ranging discussion, Mr. Watson traces the story from the late 1980s to the present (including details never before heard outside the courtroom in Rome) and concludes with a spirited round of questions from the audience. Those who did not attend this live SAFE event can now view the lecture in its entirety. (November 16, 2006)
