Abstract
This article discusses key-questions related with the acquisition, circulation and publication of papyri from the late 19th century to the present. Following the vicissitudes of a famous Biblical papyrus (P 39) from its finding to the present location in a private collection, the author argues that current legislation on the circulation of manuscripts through the market seems insufficient to ensure their preservation and availability for study. The lack of information on documented acquisition circumstances of recently published papyri highlights pitfalls in current ethical practices and calls for more stringent policies. An appendix publishes for the first time correspondence from the John Rylands Library archives documenting B.P. Grenfell and A.S. Hunt's acquisition strategies in Egypt.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 113-142 |
Number of pages | 29 |
Journal | American Society of Papyrologists. Bulletin |
Volume | 52 |
Issue number | 2015 |
Publication status | Published - 1 Nov 2015 |
Keywords
- antiquities market
- Biblical papyri
- Christianity
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Dive into the research topics of 'Papyri, Ethics, and Economics: A Biography of P.Oxy. 15.1780 (P39)'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.Impacts
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The Circulation of Ancient Manuscripts on the Antiquities Market: Improving the Ethical and Regulatory Practices and Standards of Market Stakeholders
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Impact: Attitudes and behaviours, Awareness and understanding, Policy, Society and culture