Notice on Antiquities Laws relative to Maya Art

It is against the laws of Mexico, Belize, Honduras, and Guatemala to take any pre-Columbian antiquities out of their country.

It is against the law of the United States to bring most pre-Columbian art into this country. Maya pottery from the Peten area is especially illegal.

When tempted to buy antiquities in Central America all kinds of tall tales will be given to encourage you to buy. You will be told that "if it is just a small artifact it is okay." No way, each and every pre-Columbian artifact is illegal. Besides, 90% of what is peddled to tourists is fake!

If the item is not confiscated when you smuggle it out of the country, it may be confiscated by U.S. Customs when you arrive back here.

But the real reason why it is unethical to buy looted art is because your purchase encourages grave robbers to destroy the temples and pyramids to reach the ancient art buried within.

Buy native handicrafts instead. This supports honorable people who are willing to do honest work to earn a living.