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Overview

Track your historical and cultural artifact collection with detailed fields for origin culture, period, material, and provenance. Perfect for collectors, institutions, and enthusiasts managing archaeological items, antiquities, and cultural objects.

Artifact Tracking Features

  • Origin culture and period/era tracking
  • Material and artifact type classification
  • Condition assessment
  • Provenance documentation
  • Legal compliance notes
  • Market value tracking

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Adding an Artifact

1

Navigate to Add Item

Click “Add Item” from your dashboard or go to storehouses.app/add
2

Select Historical & Cultural Artifacts

Choose “Historical & Cultural Artifacts” as the category
3

Enter Details

Fill in origin culture, period, artifact type, material, and condition
4

Add Documentation

Upload photos, provenance documents, and export/import paperwork
5

Save

Click “Save Item” to add to your collection

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Artifact Fields

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Origin Information

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The culture, civilization, or region of originExamples:
  • Ancient Egyptian
  • Roman Empire
  • Ming Dynasty Chinese
  • Pre-Columbian Maya
  • Ancient Greek
  • Byzantine
  • Mesopotamian
  • Native American
  • African (specify tribe/region)
  • Medieval European
Be as specific as possible about the cultural origin
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Time period or era of the artifactExamples:
  • New Kingdom (1550-1070 BCE)
  • 1st Century CE
  • Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE)
  • Medieval (500-1500 CE)
  • Iron Age
  • Bronze Age
  • Classical Period
  • Hellenistic Period
  • Renaissance
Include:
  • Approximate date range when known
  • Archaeological period designations
  • Dynasty or reign when applicable

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Physical Description

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Classification of the artifactCategories:Pottery & Ceramics
  • Vessels (amphorae, urns, vases)
  • Figurines
  • Tiles
  • Architectural elements
Stone & Sculpture
  • Statuary
  • Relief carvings
  • Tools
  • Architectural fragments
Metalwork
  • Jewelry
  • Weapons
  • Tools
  • Coins
  • Vessels
Textiles
  • Garments
  • Tapestries
  • Fragments
  • Burial textiles
Other
  • Glassware
  • Bone/Ivory
  • Wood
  • Papyrus/Documents
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Primary material(s) of the artifactExamples:
  • Terracotta
  • Bronze
  • Marble
  • Gold
  • Limestone
  • Jade
  • Faience
  • Iron
  • Obsidian
  • Ivory
  • Linen
  • Papyrus
List multiple materials if the artifact is composite (e.g., “Bronze with gold inlay”)
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Overall condition of the artifactStandard grading:
  • Excellent - Minimal wear, original surface intact
  • Very Good - Minor wear, no significant damage
  • Good - Some wear or damage, structurally sound
  • Fair - Notable damage or restoration
  • Poor - Significant damage, fragmentary
Condition notes should include:
  • Original vs. restored elements
  • Surface condition
  • Any repairs or conservation
  • Missing elements
  • Structural integrity

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Dimensions

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Physical measurementsFormat examples:
  • “Height: 15 cm, Width: 8 cm”
  • “12 x 8 x 4 inches”
  • “Diameter: 25 cm”
  • “Length: 45 cm, fragmentary”
Use consistent units (metric preferred for antiquities)

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Provenance

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Documented ownership historyInclude:
  • Previous owners with dates
  • Auction or dealer sales
  • Exhibition history
  • Publication references
  • Import/export documentation
  • Archaeological find information (if known)
Example:
Provenance is critical for legal compliance and authenticity. Document thoroughly.

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Types of Artifacts

Ancient Pottery

  • Greek amphorae and vases
  • Roman pottery
  • Chinese ceramics
  • Pre-Columbian vessels
  • Egyptian faience

Sculpture & Statuary

  • Marble sculptures
  • Bronze statues
  • Stone reliefs
  • Terracotta figures
  • Wood carvings

Ancient Jewelry

  • Gold ornaments
  • Beaded necklaces
  • Scarabs
  • Fibulae (brooches)
  • Seal rings

Weapons & Tools

  • Bronze Age weapons
  • Stone tools
  • Iron implements
  • Ceremonial objects

Architectural Elements

  • Column capitals
  • Relief panels
  • Mosaic fragments
  • Decorative tiles
  • Friezes

Everyday Objects

  • Oil lamps
  • Glass vessels
  • Mirrors
  • Weights and measures
  • Gaming pieces
Important Legal Notice: The antiquities market is heavily regulated. Always ensure your artifacts have legal provenance and comply with cultural property laws.

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Documentation Requirements

Maintain records showing:
  • Ownership history (ideally pre-1970)
  • Import/export documentation
  • Customs declarations
  • Purchase receipts and invoices
  • Auction catalogs and records
  • Previous owner correspondence
Why 1970 matters: The 1970 UNESCO Convention is the standard cutoff for establishing legal provenance
Required documentation may include:
  • Export license from country of origin
  • Import declaration
  • Customs paperwork
  • CITES permits (for ivory, etc.)
  • Cultural property certificates
Keep all customs and import paperwork with your records
Consider obtaining:
  • Thermoluminescence (TL) dating for ceramics
  • Scientific analysis reports
  • Expert authentication letters
  • Comparative scholarly references
  • Museum or academic opinions

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Tracking Examples

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Example 1: Egyptian Ushabti

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Egyptian Faience Ushabti - Late Period
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Ancient Egyptian
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Late Period, 26th Dynasty (664-525 BCE)
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Funerary figure (Ushabti)
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Blue-green faience
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Very Good
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Height: 12 cm
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Ex-collection Robert Smith, acquired 1950s Bonhams London, 2015 Current owner since 2015

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Example 2: Roman Bronze

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Roman Bronze Statuette of Mercury
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Roman Empire
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2nd Century CE
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Bronze statuette
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Cast bronze with dark patina
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Good
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Height: 18 cm, Base: 5 x 5 cm

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Example 3: Pre-Columbian Vessel

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Moche Portrait Vessel
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Moche Culture, Peru
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Middle Moche Period (300-600 CE)
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Ceramic stirrup-spout vessel
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Terracotta with polychrome paint
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Excellent
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Height: 22 cm, Diameter: 14 cm
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Ex-collection Dr. Jane Doe, Lima (formed 1940-1960) Published in “Ancient Peru” exhibition catalog, 1975 Sotheby’s New York, 2010 Current owner since 2010, with TL test certificate

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Best Practices

The most critical aspect of artifact collecting:
  • Document every ownership transfer
  • Keep all receipts and invoices
  • Photograph items with dated newspapers
  • Maintain export/import paperwork
  • Record publication and exhibition history
Why: Provenance establishes legality and authenticity, affecting both value and ability to sell
Capture detailed photos of:
  • Multiple angles (front, back, sides, top, bottom)
  • Surface details and patina
  • Any inscriptions or markings
  • Damage or repairs
  • Scale reference (ruler in photo)
  • Any associated documentation
Good documentation photos help with insurance claims and authentication
Protect your artifacts:
  • Control temperature and humidity
  • Avoid direct sunlight
  • Use acid-free materials
  • Support fragile items properly
  • Secure storage for valuables
  • Handle with clean cotton gloves
Climate recommendations:
  • Temperature: 65-70°F (18-21°C)
  • Humidity: 45-55% relative humidity
  • Stable conditions (avoid fluctuations)
For valuable or significant pieces:
  • Consult specialists in the culture/period
  • Obtain authentication letters
  • Consider scientific testing
  • Compare with museum examples
  • Research published parallels
Expert documentation adds value and confidence
For valuable artifacts:
  • Get specialized fine art insurance
  • Obtain professional appraisals
  • Document thoroughly with photos
  • Update values periodically
  • Consider scheduled coverage for high-value items
Export your artifact inventory from Storehouses for insurance documentation
Cultural property laws change:
  • Follow AAMD guidelines
  • Monitor bilateral agreements
  • Understand UNESCO conventions
  • Know your country’s import laws
  • Consult legal counsel for major purchases

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Common Questions

Authentication methods:
  • Expert examination by specialists
  • Scientific testing (TL, C14, XRF analysis)
  • Stylistic comparison with known examples
  • Provenance research
  • Museum or academic consultation
Be cautious of artifacts with no provenance history - forgeries are common
The 1970 UNESCO Convention:
  • Establishes international standards for cultural property
  • Many institutions and dealers require provenance before 1970
  • Artifacts with documented pre-1970 provenance are more desirable
  • Some countries have earlier cutoff dates
Best practice: Seek artifacts with documented ownership history prior to 1970
Valuation factors:
  • Provenance quality and documentation
  • Rarity and artistic quality
  • Condition
  • Cultural and historical significance
  • Market demand
  • Authentication documentation
Valuation resources:
  • Auction results (Christie’s, Sotheby’s, Bonhams)
  • Specialist dealer pricing
  • Professional appraisals
  • Insurance valuations
Depends on:
  • Country of origin export laws
  • Your country’s import/export regulations
  • UNESCO agreements
  • Specific artifact type (some materials restricted)
  • Documentation quality
Always:
  • Consult with legal counsel
  • Obtain necessary permits
  • Document provenance thoroughly
  • Work with reputable auction houses or dealers
Generally, no:
  • Original patina is valuable
  • Amateur cleaning can damage items
  • Restoration affects value
  • Conservation should be done by professionals only
Dust carefully with soft brush only. For anything more, consult a conservator.

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