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. Unique ID
Unique ID 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. Controlled vocabulary
Controlled vocabulary 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. Current location
Current location 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. Rights and documents
Rights and documents 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. Change history
Change history 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.