Human Remains and Funerary Material

Why this matters

Legal, ethical and community issues surrounding remains and burial objects. A responsible collector asks whether the object is authentic, whether it left its source jurisdiction lawfully, whether it entered the destination lawfully and whether the seller has good title.

Core checks

• Do not buy human remains as ordinary collectibles.
• Multiple laws may apply.
• Consult communities and authorities.

Document the analysis

Retain searches, correspondence, legal references, permits, translations, invoices, photographs, catalog entries and warranties. Record the date each online system was checked.

When professional help is justified

Use qualified counsel and customs specialists for high-value, recently surfaced, conflict-zone, funerary, Indigenous, architectural or nationally protected material.