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Describing an Artefact's Condition


Buyers and sellers of artefacts recognize the necessity of a common language for describing the condition of items offered in the marketplace.

The Antique Tribal Art Dealers Association Inc (ATADA) has established a terminology that standardizes descriptions in catalogue and mail-order transactions to eliminate confusion and preserve customer satisfaction. These goals are equally important in the world of e-commerce.


Upon request of the buyer, a dealer must provide a written report on each item purchased. The report should include a description, history, condition or any other pertinent information following the guidelines described below.

The description of the object, shall identify it and include important identifying features, such as size, color, composition, etc. Any reservations as to the object's authenticity should be stated here, and/or under the description of the object's history.

The description of the object's condition should include all important physical details, such as damage, restoration, fading, defective mounting, etc. Any defects having a significant effect on the value of the object shall be disclosed in detail. The description of condition shall also include one of the following descriptive terms (having the meaning indicated):

  • EXCELLENT.  Object reflects excellent condition if the state of preservation (i.e., wear and/or losses to decoration, pagination, design, paint, weave, etc.) either exhibits original stable condition or reflects stabilization, conservation without altering, in a significant manner, the object's original function or artistic intent. Structurally sound. No significant restoration.

  • VERY GOOD.  Object reflects very good condition if the state of preservation (i.e., wear and/or losses to decoration, pagination, design, paint, weave, etc.) either approaches near original condition, but is not excellent, or exhibits stabilization, conservation which reflects slight deterioration from original function or artistic intent. Maintains structural integrity, slight restoration evident.

  • GOOD.  Object reflects good condition if the state of preservation (i.e., wear and/or losses to decoration, pagination, design, paint, weave, etc.) either exhibits clearly its original function and artistic intent, although having considerable wear, or exhibits stabilization, conservation or restoration which reflects original function and artistic intent. Object maintains structural integrity. Restoration may be evident.

  • FAIR.  Object reflects fair condition if the state of preservation (i.e., wear and/or losses to decoration, pagination, design, paint, weave, etc.) is in tender state of preservation showing considerable wear and deterioration, but clearly indicates the general nature of its original appearance. May be in need of structural stabilization, conservation, restoration.

The history of the object should include any important information known to the dealer, such as the culture of origin, the date of manufacture, whether made for tribal use or other use, prior ownership, inclusion in public shows, references in literature, and the like.

The failure to mention in the written description of the condition of the object any significant defect that would not be obvious to the uninformed buyer, constitutes justifiable grounds on the part of the buyer to believe that no such defect exists with respect to the object. Where the dealer has insufficient knowledge or evidence for believing a fact relevant to the object's condition, authenticity, or history, he/she shall so state in the appropriate place on the form.

At the time of sale, the dealer shall provide to the buyer a copy of the written statement of the condition of the object, and shall keep a copy in the buyer's file, attached to a dated photograph of the object sufficiently clear to show distinctive features of the object.

Finally, when in doubt, describe the item exactly as it is!


© 2001 Coup de Foudre, LLC / Terms, Conditions & Disclaimers