Ishtar Warda 

Toronto, Ontario

Canada

November 7, 2023

 

Keith Gill

Head of Evening Sale Department

Christie's Auction House

20 Rockefeller Plaza

New York, NY 10020

USA

Subject: Petition to Christie's Auction House Regarding the Recent Sale of ASSYRIAN GYPSUM RELIEF OF A WINGED GENIUS

Dear Keith Gill & Christie's Auction House,

We, the undersigned, are writing to express our deep concern and disappointment regarding the recent sale of the ASSYRIAN GYPSUM RELIEF OF A WINGED GENIUS. While we understand that auctioning valuable artifacts is a part of your business, we firmly believe that world history and cultural heritage should not be privately owned or sold, and Assyrian heritage is no exception.

The ASSYRIAN GYPSUM RELIEF OF A WINGED GENIUS, a remarkable piece of Assyrian art, represents a rich and enduring history that is not just a relic of the past. Assyrians are not merely an ancient civilization that has faded into history; we are an indigenous people who continue to exist and fight for recognition and freedom from oppression. Our culture, language, and identity persist to this day.

Selling Assyrian art, such as this relief, undermines our ongoing struggle to preserve our heritage and protect our identity. Assyrian artifacts are not just objects; they are living representations of our history, culture, and resilience. When such treasures are auctioned to the highest bidder, it not only commodifies our history but also threatens to erase our past. We must remember that these items were often removed from their rightful homes under circumstances that are now considered unethical and unjust.

By selling Assyrian artifacts, we believe that Christie's Auction House is inadvertently contributing to the erasure of a living culture. It is vital to remember that the history of Assyria is inextricably linked with the modern Assyrian people, who continue to exist and work tirelessly to maintain their unique identity and fight for their rights.

Therefore, we respectfully request that Christie's Auction House reconsider the sale of Assyrian artifacts and take the following actions:

Halt the sale of the ASSYRIAN GYPSUM RELIEF OF A WINGED GENIUS and any other Assyrian artifacts currently scheduled for auction.
Engage in a dialogue with Assyrian cultural and historical experts to better understand the significance of these artifacts in their contemporary context.
Consider repatriating these artifacts to Assyrian institutions and museums where they can be properly preserved and displayed in a way that respects their historical and cultural value.
Develop policies that prioritize the protection and preservation of world heritage and cultural identity, acknowledging that these artifacts hold a unique and significant place in the history of indigenous peoples like the Assyrians.
We believe that taking these actions will send a powerful message that the global community values the cultural and historical heritage of indigenous peoples and is committed to ensuring that such heritage is not bought and sold on the open market. By doing so, Christie's Auction House can contribute to the preservation of Assyrian history and culture, as well as set a positive example for the broader art and auction industry.

We kindly urge you to consider the consequences of these sales and join us in the effort to protect the cultural heritage of Assyrians and other indigenous peoples. Together, we can ensure that the world's history remains accessible to all and that no culture is erased for the sake of profit.

Sincerely,

The Assyrian Community