Provenance research into the archaeological collections

What does the Allard Pierson understand by provenance research?

In the ideal situation, an archaeological artefact has a provenance history that can be traced back to where it was found (provenience) and thus to the context it was used in: Where was it found, by whom and under what circumstances? An artefact’s archaeological or find context is extremely important as it provides a great deal of information that cannot be deduced from the artefact on its own, for example whether the artefact was used in a household or a in funerary context. Loss of this context automatically implies a large loss of knowledge.

The provenance history of museum artefacts is unfortunately often incomplete or even completely absent. Despite this, the Allard Pierson conducts provenance research to gather as much information as possible. This includes archival research, research into the artefact itself, research into the networks of dealers and into previous owners. This process takes time; it is dynamic and complex; and it depends on the willing cooperation of different individuals and institutes.

Documenting the provenance history of an archaeological artefact is important because it may say something about the circumstances under which the artefact left its country of origin. This may have occurred under legal or illegal circumstances. The acquisition of artefacts may also have occurred through coercion or pressure, as during colonial rule or war.

 

What are the legal and ethical frameworks that the Allard Pierson makes use of?

The Allard Pierson sees it as its moral obligation to combat the illegal trade in antiquities and condemns in the strongest terms the theft or misappropriation of items of archaeological interest in conflict situations. Many countries have their own legislation to combat the (illegal) export of heritage and to safeguard locations of archaeological interest and monuments against destruction and looting. There are also international treaties and agreements laying down definitions, rules and cooperation in protecting heritage. For example in 2009, the Netherlands ratified the UNESCO Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property, which was adopted in 1970. This convention has also been included in the Code of Ethics for Museums of ICOM (and of the Dutch Museum Association). Under the terms of the convention, it is important that the provenance history of every archaeological artefact on the art market should be traceable.

It is important to realise that there are legal avenues both for requesting the restitution of heritage and for returning it, and that the discussion should also deal with the moral arguments. Both aspects have a role to play in provenance research and the decision on acquisition and/or restitution.

 

The archaeological collections of the Allard Pierson

These collections go back to the founding of the Allard Pierson Museum in 1934 and primarily comprise archaeological artefacts from the Mediterranean Region. Many of the objects originate from the collection of the banker Constant W. Lunsingh Scheurleer. Over the following decades, objects and collections were acquired from private collectors, dealers and auction houses through purchase and donation. The Allard Pierson holds objects in the collection whose provenance is incomplete or unknown. This does not automatically mean that these are illegal objects; it means that we are unable to determine how and when they left their country of origin and the way in which this occurred. Research is now being done into this.

Why is the Allard Pierson launching this project now?

The Allard Pierson wishes to participate in an international network that combats the illegal trade in antiquities and to conduct the discussion on it in a transparent way. And to be able to react more effectively to requests for restitution and to proactively trace objects in the collections with an illegal provenance history. The Allard Pierson has in the past had to deal with restitution requests for objects that had left their country of origin illegally, such as an Etruscan antefix and a tall bowl with lid (pyxis) from Centuripe. The Allard Pierson agreed in these cases to return the objects to the source country. Societal debates on the provenance of heritage and who owns it contribute to the relevance of this research and vice versa.

How does the Allard Pierson look to the future?

The priority is currently to investigate the provenance history of all the objects acquired from 1970 up to today (see: ‘What are the legal and ethical frameworks that the Allard Pierson makes use of?’) The Allard Pierson intends in this way not only to be more accountable for the background and provenance history of the archaeological collections, but also to enter into (new) partnerships with source countries and researchers. In addition, the Allard Pierson wishes to participate in the debate over the acquisition of archaeological artefacts by museums. In this research, the Allard Pierson is working together with source countries, the Dutch authorities and other museums around the world. This research and collaboration may also lead to long-term loans of objects or agreements with governing authorities on acquisition.

It is important to realise that provenance research may result in changes in viewpoints and strategies during the course of that research. On this page you will be able to follow the discussion and the various perspectives.