Responsible collecting guide

Artifact Storage Environment

Temperature, humidity, pollutants, pests, water and handling.

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. Stable conditions

Stable conditions 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. Keep off floors

Keep off floors 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. Use boxes

Use boxes 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. Monitor change

Monitor change 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. Plan disasters

Plan disasters 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.

Due-diligence rule: Authenticity does not prove legal title, and a negative stolen-object search does not prove lawful export.

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