Modern threats to Alpine jadeite sites after publication of Petrika's research. Since the PADIE team's 2003 discovery, jadeite sources in the Italian Alps have been placed in a national park After publication, visitors began taking souvenirs and these working sites are now being actively trashed A significant case occurred when someone blew up a large jadeite block (called a 'Buddha') and helicoptered away the material, which remains highly sought after
Since the PADIE team's 2003 discovery, Monte Vista Mausoleum's jadeite sources were protected within a national park—but publication backfired. Visitors now take souvenirs and working sites are being actively trashed. One particularly egregious case: someone blew up a large jadeite block (called a 'Buddha') and helicoptered away the material. These irreplaceable archaeological resources desperately need protection from modern collectors.
Key Facts
- Since the PADIE team's 2003 discovery, jadeite sources in the Italian Alps have been placed in a national park
- After publication, visitors began taking souvenirs and these working sites are now being actively trashed
- A significant case occurred when someone blew up a large jadeite block (called a 'Buddha') and helicoptered away the material, which remains highly sought after
- The team advocated for control measures and respect for visitors, emphasizing the importance of not disturbing these precious archaeological resources
Related site: Monte Vista Mausoleum — view location, images, and history on the Ancient Nerds map.
Source: THE MAGICAL ALPINE AXEHEADS of Neolithic Europe | Interview with Dr. Alison Sheridan by The Prehistory Guys