Tas Aboriginal artefacts sale investigated

Nearly 40 stone items have been seized from a Hobart house after a tip-off that Aboriginal artefacts were illegally being listed for sale online.

Nearly 40 stone items have been seized from a Hobart home after a tip-off Aboriginal artefacts were being illegally listed for sale online.

Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment authorities and police raided the house after a member of Tasmania's Aboriginal community noticed the suspect internet posting.

The department's cultural heritage officer Luke Bond said a man is assisting with enquiries as they try to confirm the origin of the 38 items.

"The items consist of a range of stone materials," he said.

"We are liaising with Aboriginal heritage experts to try and identify and authenticate the objects."

Under Tasmania's Aboriginal Relics Act 1975, it is illegal to sell or offer for sale an Aboriginal relic or object that could be a relic.

Penalties include fines and up to six months jail.

Director of Aboriginal Heritage Tasmania Steve Gall says it is important people are aware of laws in place to protect the state's Aboriginal heritage.


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Source: AAP


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