How does one start research into the provenance of objects from a colonial context? How did they end up in the collection? Did it involve involuntary loss of possession? Are objects eligible for return to the country of origin? This guide is a tool for laying the basis for provenance research. It is a step-by-step approach, using the most important sources and practical tips to help you get started.

This publication is also available in Dutch: Herkomstonderzoek naar objecten uit een koloniale context. Een handreiking.

Colofon

Authors: Hanna Pennock (Cultural Heritage Agency) and Renate Meijer (Afdeling Tekst & Uitleg)
Translation: Leo Reijnen (Taal & Teken)
Design: Vorm de Stad
Production: Xerox, The Hague

This set of guidelines was written for Dutch museums and other institutions. The English translation remains focused on the Dutch context and may be used by anyone to obtain a better understanding of doing provenance research in the Netherlands.

© Rijksdienst voor het Cultureel Erfgoed (Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands), Amersfoort 2025
Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands
Postbus 1600
3800 BP Amersfoort
The Netherlands
english.cultureelerfgoed.nl
info@cultureelerfgoed.nl