A Martian meteorite known as NWA 16788 fetched $4.3 million at a Sotheby’s auction in New York. This alarming sale has emboldened the government of Niger to scrutinize this controversial export. Discovered in the Sahara Desert two years ago, this significant extraterrestrial specimen has sparked an intense debate over national heritage and the legality of its sale.
It was found on 16 November 2021 by an unnamed meteorite hunter. It was discovered about 90 km west of the Chirfa Oasis in Niger’s Agadez region. After its find, the Ngukurr community allowed the meteorite to be sold to an international dealer. Last year, it was featured at the Venice Biennale in Italy. This even included exhibitions at the Italian Space Agency in Rome before it transitioned to a private gallery in Arezzo. Last month, the meteorite finally made its way to New York, with two of its slices left behind in Italy for additional research.
Niger’s government has expressed doubts about the legality of the meteorite’s export, raising concerns about possible illicit international trafficking. The country passed a law in 1997 aimed at protecting its cultural and natural heritage, which adds another layer to the ongoing debate.
Respected palaeontologist Professor Paul Sereno could not be more scathing about the situation. He opposes the sale and thinks that meteorite should be repatriated to Niger. He hopes the sale will be the wake-up call Nigerien authorities need to do more to protect their national heritage.
“International law says you cannot simply take something that is important to the heritage of a country – be it a cultural item, a physical item, a natural item, an extraterrestrial item – out of the country. You know we’ve moved on from colonial times when all this was okay,” – Prof Paul Sereno.
Sotheby’s vigorously rejects any wrongdoing on its part. They claim that the meteorite was legally exported from Niger and conveyed in accordance with all applicable international laws. A spokesperson from Sotheby’s stated, “As with everything we sell, all relevant documentation was in order at each stage of its journey, in accordance with best practice and the requirements of the countries involved.”
The debate over NWA 16788 raises much larger questions about the ownership and repatriation of cultural artifacts. Professor Hasnaa Chennaoui Aoudjehane has devoted most of her life to securing extraterrestrial materials for Morocco. She’s passionate about these irreplaceable artifacts and what they mean to our nation’s identity.
“It’s a part of us, it’s a part of our heritage… it’s part of our identity and it’s important to be proud of the richness of the country,” – Prof Hasnaa Chennaoui Aoudjehane.
Perhaps most importantly, conversations about cultural heritage are shifting. For its part, Niger’s government is working diligently to understand how to better handle these issues going forward. Professor Sereno said if the meteorite were to be shown in a museum, it would present significant questions. It would have to prove that its actions are Niger’s rightful ownership of property claims.
“If it ever sees the light of day in a public museum, [the museum] is going to have to deal with the fact that Niger is openly contesting it,” – Prof Paul Sereno.
In response to this growing concern for heritage preservation, Niger plans to establish a stunning museum on an island along the River Niger, which flows through its capital city, Niamey. This project has a goal to properly house critical artifacts. It would form a springboard to promote Niger’s abundant cultural heritage.
The meteorite auction represents a decisive turning point for Niger. It does get the ball rolling on critical conversations regarding the international norms surrounding cultural artifacts. Countries are entering a new phase of addressing their colonial pasts and long-standing claims to major artistic treasures. The NWA 16788 case is another strong reminder of the complexities at play in preserving our heritage.