A Martian meteorite auctioned for $4.3 million in New York has sparked outrage in Niger, where officials question the legality of its export. The 24.7kg rock, discovered in Niger two years ago, has prompted an investigation from the Nigerien government amid fears of cultural heritage violations.
Niger Seeks Accountability After $4.3 Million Martian Meteorite Auctioned in New York
Niger Seeks Accountability After $4.3 Million Martian Meteorite Auctioned in New York
Following the sale of a rare Martian meteorite at Sotheby's, Niger demands clarity on its legal export and sale, alleging possible illicit trafficking of national heritage.
A rare Martian meteorite, weighing 24.7 kilograms, was auctioned off for an astonishing $4.3 million at Sotheby's in New York, stirring significant controversy and anger among officials and citizens in Niger. This extraordinary fragment, recognized as NWA 16788, raises questions about the legality of its export from Niger and the potential for illegal international trafficking of cultural heritage.
The meteorite, which is the largest of its kind found on Earth, was originally discovered in the Sahara Desert by an unidentified "meteorite hunter" in November 2021, as noted in an Italian academic publication. Previously, it had been showcased in Italy, where scientists studied its composition. Sotheby's maintains that they followed all necessary procedures for its international transport and that all required documentation was in order for the sale.
Prof. Paul Sereno, a palaeontologist deeply connected to Niger’s heritage, expressed outrage over the sale, considering it a violation of international laws protecting a country’s cultural heritage. He contends that Niger's laws, although lacking specificity regarding meteorites, should lead to the return of such significant artifacts. Niger has since launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the meteorite’s discovery and subsequent sale, seeking clarity on how it was allowed to leave the country unnoticed.
The issue of meteorite trade is not unique to Niger; neighboring Morocco has experienced similar challenges with over 1,000 meteorite discoveries. Experts like Prof. Hasnaa Chennaoui Aoudjehane advocate for better regulation of meteorite sales to preserve national heritage, highlighting the cultural significance of these extraterrestrial rocks.
The auction of NWA 16788 may serve as a pivotal moment in Niger's historical fight for the restitution of its cultural artifacts. Prof. Sereno hopes the event will motivate greater awareness and action from Niger's authorities regarding such culturally important finds, and perhaps inspire the establishment of a museum to house and protect these unique pieces of natural history.
