Niger Demands Accountability After Auction of Rare Martian Meteorite in New York

A rare Martian meteorite, NWA 16788, sold for $4.3 million in New York has raised concerns over its legal exportation from Niger. Experts and the Nigerien government are questioning the procedures followed, emphasizing the need for accountability in the international trade of such heritage items.

 

A unique Martian meteorite, the largest ever discovered on Earth, has ignited controversy after fetching $4.3 million at Sotheby's in New York. The meteorite, known scientifically as NWA 16788, was unearthed in the Sahara Desert of Niger two years ago and sold anonymously at auction, prompting the Nigerien government to question the legality of its exportation.

Noted palaeontologist Prof Paul Sereno, who closely collaborates with Niger, expressed outrage over the sale and insisted that the important piece of extraterrestrial heritage should be returned. "Brazen! It is brazen!" he asserted during a phone call, underscoring his belief that legal statutes protecting Niger's cultural and natural heritage were violated.

Previous auctions of rare space rocks have captured public fascination, particularly when the displays highlight their cosmic origins. In this case, initial awe at the meteorite's appearance quickly gave way to scrutiny regarding its path to New York, as Niger's government raised concerns about potential illicit trafficking.

Sotheby’s has defended its actions, claiming that all necessary documentation was in order and that the meteorite was exported per international law. The auction house stated they are currently reviewing the ongoing investigation launched by Niger concerning the merchandise.

NWA 16788 was reportedly found in the Agadez region, around 90 kilometers from the Chirfa Oasis, by an unidentified meteorite hunter. The stone was subsequently sold to an international dealer and displayed briefly in Italy before reaching Sotheby's. Despite its significant weight, the legality of how it was exported remains uncertain, especially given that Niger previously established laws to safeguard its heritage in 1997.

Prof Sereno, founder of Niger Heritage, argues for more robust measures to protect national treasures, particularly in light of international agreements by UNESCO that may not currently apply to meteorites due to ambiguity in definitions. He emphasizes the importance of treating extraterrestrial finds as integral pieces of national heritage.

Similar concerns are echoed in Morocco, where meteorite exports have led to calls for stricter regulations. Notably, Prof Hasnaa Chennaoui Aoudjehane has dedicated years to preserving Morocco's meteorite heritage and advocates for modern regulatory measures.

The auction of NWA 16788 has now become a pivotal moment for Nigerien authorities, serving as an impetus for them to act in defense of their national identity and heritage. Prof Sereno hopes it will spark future museum endeavors that recognize and reaffirm Niger's claim to the meteorite, opening dialogues about reparative justice in the realm of cultural heritage.