The Importance of Provenance

Provenance is the history of ownership of something. Ideally, it is a chronology. The list of everyone who has owned a car and when they owned it is its provenance.

Provenance is a crucial aspect of determining the authenticity and value of various types of collectibles, including art, coins, trading cards, and other high-end items. It provides a history of ownership that can help to establish the authenticity of the item and its condition.

In the case of art, provenance can be used to trace the ownership of a particular piece back to its creation. This can include information about who originally commissioned the artwork, who owned it throughout its history, and any exhibitions or auctions at which it was displayed. This information can be critical in establishing the authenticity and value of a piece, as well as in determining its place in the history of art.

Provenance can also be important for less austere Veblen goods, such as coins or trading cards. While these items may not have the same level of cultural or artistic significance as fine art, they can still be highly sought-after by collectors. In such cases, provenance can help to establish the rarity and condition of the item, as well as its history of ownership.

At Knowa, we have created a new kind of collectible that places provenance at its core. By tracking ownership of Knowa from their very beginning, we aim to create a digital trail of ownership that can be used to prove authenticity and value over time. While the ownership trail can become lost when second or third owners buy, sell, or trade, we hope that by encouraging owners to record their ownership and transfers through the Knowa Connect app, provenance can remain inviolable.

Indeed, it is conceivable that someday WHO owned a Knowa will impact its value as much as the object itself.