In many cases objects lacking specific provenance are deemed inappropriate for archaeological or art historical studies. The application of analytical techniques such as thermoluminescence or carbon-14 dating have been used in conjunction with stylistic information to strengthen arguments for provenance. In the case of late Formative figurines from West Mexico, careful study of the dark patina using morphological and chemical criteria provides a means of assessing provenance of the figurine. Comparison of modern patinas to provenanced patinas has been carried out at several levels: visual and stylistic, morphological, and chemical.