Unprovenance: How the Illicit Trade in Antiquities Distracts Us from the Real Problem
The illicit antiquities trade is an ever-growing problem; an issue that is estimated to be worth billions of dollars. While many nations are ramping up their efforts to combat this illegal trade, a new issue has emerged: unprovenanced antiquities. Unprovenanced antiquities are objects of antiquity that lack a documented history of ownership, and they can be used to distract from the real problem of illicit antiquities.
These unprovenanced antiquities can be found in many places, from online marketplaces to major auction houses. While not explicitly illegal, the sale of these unprovenanced antiquities can be used to mask the real issue of the illicit antiquities trade, and is having a detrimental effect on the antiquities market.
To combat this issue, there needs to be an increased focus on ensuring that all antiquities for sale have a documented history of ownership. This will help to ensure that the antiquities market is free from any form of illicit activity.
source: Phys.org