South Asia

Physical identification

Ancient Indian, Pakistani, Sri Lankan and regional sculpture, terracotta, seals and metalwork. Record dimensions, weight, manufacture, surfaces, repairs, labels, mounts and inscriptions before cleaning or treatment.

Key cautions

• Temple removal can create title claims.
• Modern borders do not map neatly onto cultures.
• Export permits require country-specific review.

Provenance and lawful movement

Determine likely source country or countries, the date the object left, applicable patrimony laws, export-certificate requirements and destination-country import restrictions.

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.