provenance trail

A provenance trail refers to the documented history of a piece of information, such as data, artwork, or an artifact. It outlines the origin, custody, and ownership history, ensuring transparency about where it came from, who has handled it, and any changes made over time. This concept is important in various fields, including art, science, and data management, as it helps verify authenticity and maintain trust. Essentially, a provenance trail acts like a detailed biography, providing context and traceability for an item or piece of information throughout its lifecycle.