Robberies by Request (2008 – 2010)

An artistic documentary that provides the testimonies of six people well-connected with this cultural heritage matter of Peru. Each of them challenges subjects such as the robbery at the Regional Museum of Ica, looting of archeological sites, the origins of big collections of European and American museums, and the importance of cultural heritage in Peruvian society.

On the night of October 15th 2004, three of the most important textiles of the Regional Museum of Ica in Peru were stolen: two mantles belonging to the Paracas culture and one tunic from the Wari culture. The robbery was made by request.

Robberies by Request aims to provide an overview of how a society such as the Peruvian one, reacts towards historical heritage depredation, and to expose the other side of the “exotic” collections of American and European museums.