Geneva showcases archaeological treasures from the Gaza Strip, providing a safe haven for the heritage of a region ravaged by war. The “Patrimony in Peril” exhibition at the Museum of Art and History (MAH) features 44 artifacts, including amphoras, statuettes, vases, oil lamps, and figurines, all unearthed from Gaza.
Geneva city councilor Alfonso Gomez, referencing the destruction of cultural heritage in Mosul by the Islamic State, emphasized the significance of safeguarding such artifacts. “Cultural property is central to civilization, and forces of obscurantism have continually sought to destroy it,” he said.
Marc-Olivier Wahler, director of MAH, reiterated this concern, explaining that, in times of conflict, cultural heritage is often targeted as a means of erasing a people’s identity and history. However, he highlighted the existence of international conventions and institutions that aim to protect this heritage.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) recently reported significant damage to Gaza’s cultural sites since Israel’s military offensive began in response to the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack. UNESCO has confirmed damage to 69 sites in Gaza, including religious buildings, historic structures, and archaeological locations.
The exhibition’s curator, Béatrice Blandin, stressed the importance of these artifacts, noting that they represent a part of Gaza’s history and identity. These treasures are part of a larger collection of over 530 items, stored in Geneva since 2007 due to the region’s instability.
Running until February 9, the exhibition also includes artifacts from Sudan, Syria, and Libya. It marks the 70th anniversary of the Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict and underscores the role of museums in preserving cultural heritage amid threats of destruction and looting, reminding visitors that targeting heritage is a recognized war crime.
