Ancient artifacts are not ordinary secondhand goods. Their archaeological context, lawful movement, ownership history and physical stability can be more important than immediate market appeal.
1. Identify the object
Identify the object should be documented against the exact physical object, likely source jurisdiction, ownership timeline and conservation condition. Record uncertainty rather than replacing it with a confident market phrase.
2. Identify likely source country
Identify likely source country should be documented against the exact physical object, likely source jurisdiction, ownership timeline and conservation condition. Record uncertainty rather than replacing it with a confident market phrase.
3. Build provenance timeline
Build provenance timeline should be documented against the exact physical object, likely source jurisdiction, ownership timeline and conservation condition. Record uncertainty rather than replacing it with a confident market phrase.
4. Verify export basis
Verify export basis should be documented against the exact physical object, likely source jurisdiction, ownership timeline and conservation condition. Record uncertainty rather than replacing it with a confident market phrase.
5. Check stolen-object systems
Check stolen-object systems should be documented against the exact physical object, likely source jurisdiction, ownership timeline and conservation condition. Record uncertainty rather than replacing it with a confident market phrase.
6. Obtain written warranties
Obtain written warranties should be documented against the exact physical object, likely source jurisdiction, ownership timeline and conservation condition. Record uncertainty rather than replacing it with a confident market phrase.