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

Paul Stewens

doi:10.1093/lril/lraf021

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

Paul Stewens^*

^*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Academic › peer-review

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.

Original language	English
Pages (from-to)	35-50
Number of pages	16
Journal	London Review of International Law
Volume	14
Issue number	1
Early online date	27 Oct 2025
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1093/lril/lraf021
Publication status	Published - Mar 2026

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10.1093/lril/lraf021Licence: CC BY

1 Paper

A Classification Unearthed: The History of Palaeontological Objects as Cultural Heritage in International Law
Stewens, P., 2024.
Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper › Academic

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

Abstract

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A Classification Unearthed: The History of Palaeontological Objects as Cultural Heritage in International Law

Cite this