The curatorial consequences of being moved, moveable or portable: the case of carved stones

It matters whether a carved stone is moved, moveable or portable because this influences perceptions of significance and of form and nature. Is it a monument or an artefact? This duality may in turn affect understanding and appreciation of the resource. It has implications for how and if carved stones can be legally protected, who owns them, where and how they are administered, and by whom. The complexities of the legislation mean that all too often this is also a grey area. This paper explores these curatorial issues and their impact.