Funerary Objects

Physical identification

Burial goods, coffin fragments, shabtis, masks and memorial objects. Record dimensions, weight, manufacture, surfaces, repairs, labels, mounts and inscriptions before cleaning or treatment.

Key cautions

• Human remains and funerary material raise heightened issues.
• Provenance should predate modern looting risk where possible.
• Do not treat sacred material as ordinary decor.

Provenance and lawful movement

Ask when the object first appeared outside the ground, who owned it, where it was located, how it left its likely source country and whether the seller warrants good title in writing.

Authenticity and conservation

Condition and authenticity can be intertwined. Artificial deposits, modern joins and restored surfaces may disguise manufacture. No single photograph, certificate or test proves the complete history of an object.