Documenting the provenance of stone sculptures is essential for preserving their historical, cultural, and artistic value. Proper provenance records help authenticate artworks, track ownership, and ensure ethical acquisition. Here are the best practices to follow:

1. Detailed Historical Research: Investigate the sculpture’s origin, including its creation date, artist, and historical context. Use archival records, museum catalogs, and expert consultations to verify details.

2. Photographic Documentation: Maintain high-resolution images from multiple angles, capturing inscriptions, wear patterns, and unique features. Time-stamped photos add credibility.

3. Ownership Chain: Record every transfer of ownership, including dates, locations, and parties involved. Legal documents like bills of sale, export permits, and auction records should be preserved.

4. Scientific Analysis: Employ techniques like spectroscopy, radiocarbon dating, or microscopic examination to confirm material composition and age, distinguishing genuine artifacts from replicas.

5. Ethical Sourcing Verification: Ensure the sculpture was acquired legally, without ties to looting or conflict zones. Compliance with UNESCO and local heritage laws is critical.

6. Digital Provenance Tools: Use blockchain or secure databases to create tamper-proof records, enhancing transparency and traceability.

By adhering to these practices, collectors, museums, and researchers can safeguard stone sculptures' integrity, contributing to art history and cultural preservation.