I inherited ancient antiquities, now what?

It's not an uncommon scenario - a relative passes away and leaves you with a fascinating but perplexing inheritance: ancient antiquities. Perhaps it's a collection of ancient Cypriot statues, Greek pottery, Roman coins, Egyptian figurines, or pre-Columbian artifacts. While inheriting such treasures may seem exciting at first, it can also raise a host of complex legal and ethical questions. What are your rights and responsibilities as the new owner of these pieces? Are you allowed to keep, sell, or donate them? What is their monetary and historical value? If you find yourself in this situation, don't panic. With some careful research and expert guidance, navigating the world of inherited antiquities is very manageable.

Understanding the Legal Landscape

The first step is to understand the legal status of your inherited artifacts. Laws governing the sale, ownership, and transport of cultural property vary widely depending on the age and origin of the objects, as well as your own location.

In general, antiquities are subject to much more oversight and regulation compared to other types of personal property. Many countries have national ownership laws asserting that any cultural artifacts discovered within their borders automatically belong to the state. Removing such objects, even with allegedly good intentions, is considered theft and trafficking of state property. The 1970 UNESCO Convention aimed to curb the looting of archaeological sites and illegal export of cultural heritage by allowing nations to request the return of stolen antiquities that ended up abroad. This is however not always a legal request.

The situation for objects that were exported prior to 1970, as is the case for many pieces that have been circulating in the private antiquities market for generations, is more complex. Here, it really depends on the specific laws of the country where the object originated. You may have clear legal title to your inherited antiquities, but it's important to thoroughly research the relevant international laws and treaties before assuming this is the case. Consulting with an attorney who specializes in cultural property is advisable.

In the US and most of Europe there are several federal laws that can come into play with archaeological and ethnographic objects, such as the National Stolen Property Act, which prohibits the transport of illegally obtained property across state lines, and the 1990 Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), which requires the return of Native American cultural items to lineal descendants and culturally affiliated tribes. Again, much depends on when and how your inherited artifacts entered the country.

To Sell or Not To Sell?

Once you've clarified the legal status of your collection, the next question is what to do with it. Many inheritors choose to sell their antiquities. This is a completely legitimate route, as long as the sale is lawful. While repatriation (returning the objects to their country of origin) is often presented as the most ethical choice, it is not necessarily a legal requirement if the objects were exported before international conventions came into effect. Some owners also prefer to see their artifacts enter a public collection where they will be preserved for posterity and made available for scholarly research. Donating or partially donating to a museum can have tax benefits as well.

However, if the objects are rare and significant, you may come under pressure from foreign governments, international bodies, or activist groups to repatriate, even if you have the legal right to sell. Assertions of questionable provenance or illicit excavation may be made. Here, it's critical to have proper documentation and evidence of your rightful ownership. Engaging a reputable cultural property lawyer to help you navigate this process is highly recommended. They can advise on your rights and obligations, and handle any legal challenges or government inquiries you may face.

Determining Authenticity and Value

Whether you plan to keep, sell, or donate your antiquities, getting an accurate assessment of their historical significance and fair market value is essential. Appraising antiquities is quite different from other types of art and collectibles, as there are far fewer price comparables and the market is more opaque. We are able to advise on different appraisers and their specializations. We have personally appraised over 200 antiquities to date.

Authentication is also critical, as forgeries and misrepresented objects are rampant in the antiquities trade. Scientific testing of materials, professional evaluation of style and manufacture techniques, and deep provenance research are all necessary to properly establish authenticity. If you're unsure about the legitimacy of your pieces, seeking a full authentication report from a respected expert or institution is a worthwhile investment. Not only will it give you peace of mind, but it will be vital for any future sale or donation.

We're Here to Help

AncientCyprus.com was created as a non-profit non-revenue generating entity to spread the knowledge of Ancient Cyprus and its levantine neighbours. As part of this mission we maintain and curate a small specialized collection of Cypriot antiquities. The ethics of selling antiquities is a highly complex and sensitive issue. We are happy to advise on the various paths you can take. We have helped identify and given estimates on well over 200 antiquities to date.

We are happy to do this for free as we believe that protecting cultural heritage is a shared responsibility. We can help you:

• Navigate the international and domestic legal frameworks surrounding your objects
• Clarify questions of ownership and provenance
• Provide expert authentications and detailed condition reports
• Develop a collections management plan for your artifacts
• Advise on valuation and sales approach for pieces you wish to deaccession
• Facilitate donations or loans to museums and academic institutions
• Manage communications with foreign governments and international organizations
• Provide referrals to trusted antiquities transporters, restorers, and storage providers

Whether you choose to sell, donate, or retain your artifacts, we'll support you in making informed and responsible decisions. We understand the unique challenges inheritors face as and many of our readers have faced these in the past.