A classification unearthed: the history of palaeontological objects as cultural property in international law

2025/10/15 by Paul P. Stewens · 1 voice · 1 citation
Earth and Planetary Sciences · Arts and Humanities · #Archaeological Research and Protection #Maritime and Coastal Archaeology #Cultural Heritage Management and Preservation

paper · pdf · doi:10.1093/lril/lraf021

Abstract

Abstract Fossils are an overlooked yet threatened category of cultural property. This article traces how they became protected by international law under the League of Nations. Using archival materials and historical context, the article shows how fossils acquired value through a set of scientific, cultural, and political practices that prompted their special legal protection, in a story illuminating valuation processes in international law.

Cited by

• A tale of two museums: restitution and the genealogy of the false dichotomy between natural history museums and cultural museums

Discussions

• Fossils are cultural objects - and this is not some woke b*llshit that people come up nowadays to spoil the fun in #palaeontology; this classification actually has a long history. If you're curious h [bsky, 28 points, 0 comments]

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