Белорусские таможенники в борьбе с контрабандой историко-культурных ценностей (1944–1991 гг.)
Belarusian customs officers in the fight with smuggling of historical and cultural values (1944-1991)

Summary/Abstract: The article analyzes the activities of customs officers who were on the territory of Soviet Belarus in 1944 – 1991, aimed at preventing the illegal movement of historical and cultural values across the customs border. In the chronological sequence, against the background of the development of special international and Soviet legislation, the study examines the transformation of methods and capabilities of customs officers in the field of protection of cultural heritage. Special attention is paid to counteraction to illegal transportation across the border of religious objects, mainly icons. It is indicated that in the early 1970s, the icons detained on the border, previously largely destroyed, began to be massively transferred to the funds of various museums in Belarus, and a separate unique Museum was created for this purpose in Brest. The most vivid and characteristic ways and places of hiding historical and cultural artifacts by smugglers are described. It is concluded that the Belarusian customs officers in the period under review actively and successfully opposed the illegal export of historical and cultural values through the customs border.

• Details
• Contents