provenance of artifacts

Provenance of artifacts refers to the detailed history of an object, including where it was found, how it was acquired, and its ownership over time. It helps establish the authenticity and significance of the artifact by tracing its origins and journey. Provenance is crucial for verifying the legitimacy of artifacts, preventing illicit trade, and understanding their cultural and historical context. Essentially, it acts as a documented “story” that confirms where an artifact has come from and how it has been cared for throughout its existence.