A Meteorite’s Journey from Sahara to New York
A rare meteorite, named NWA 16788, was discovered in Niger’s Sahara Desert in November 2023. This 24.7kg Mars rock, the largest of its kind ever found on Earth, sold for $4.3 million at Sotheby’s in New York last month. The sale of this Mars rock found in Niger has sparked a heated debate over its export and ownership.
Niger’s government has expressed doubts about the legality of the meteorite’s export, suggesting possible illicit trafficking. Sotheby’s insists all international procedures were followed, but the country has launched an investigation into the sale.
A Treasure from Another World
Less than 400 of the 50,000 meteorites discovered are confirmed to be from Mars. This particular specimen travelled about 225 million kilometres before crashing into the Sahara. Its shimmering silver and red hues made it an auction house highlight.
An Italian academic report claims the rock was first sold by locals to an international dealer, later ending up in a private gallery in Arezzo, Italy. It was studied by scientists, briefly displayed in Rome, and then sent to New York for auction, minus two slices kept in Italy for research.
Calls for Heritage Protection
Professor Paul Sereno, founder of Niger Heritage, believes Niger’s cultural and natural treasures, including meteorites, should remain in the country. While Niger’s 1997 heritage law lists mineralogical specimens, it does not specifically name meteorites.
International agreements, including UNESCO conventions, aim to protect cultural items, but ambiguity remains around meteorites. For now, Niger is pressing for answers on how such a rare and heavy artefact left the country unnoticed.
