Identification of cultural property

Fresh soil or concretions on an old object, an inconsistent patina, unsuitable packaging, a missing or doubtful export document, a derisory declared price, an unusual route: all clues that lead to examining the object. No clue is proof; their accumulation justifies a thorough check.

Officers practise on a collection of ninety-six authentic objects, copies and fakes.

The module presents the main families: archaeological ceramics and bronzes, sculptures, masks and ritual objects, paintings, drawings, manuscripts, coins. For each family, the sheets indicate materials, techniques, regions of origin, frequent trafficking and possible confusions.

Officers learn to describe an object precisely, using a common vocabulary, to ease searching.

A good photograph is the key to remote identification. The module teaches how to photograph an object from several angles, with a scale, on a neutral background, with suitable lighting. Officers write a description sheet with dimensions, materials, marks, inscriptions.

These sheets can be sent to the BIOP unit or to an expert for a quick opinion.

A mobile application, available offline, gives access to the identification sheets and to image search in the BIOP database. It makes it possible to send photographs in seconds to an analyst on duty.

Officers also learn to use INTERPOL's database of stolen works and to consult ICOM's Red Lists.

The officer is not an expert: they flag, protect and have the object examined. They avoid handling a fragile object, cleaning it or moving it without care. The module stresses the chain of custody of evidence and respect for heritage.

In case of doubt, the rule is to contact the expert on duty, reachable 24 hours a day.