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Why do signs of wear need to appear in logical places on a supposedly ancient object?

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kouros — Art fraud Kouros of uncertain provenance, formerly on display with the label “about 530 bc or modern forgery,” dolomitic marble; in the J. Paul Getty Museum, Villa Collection, Malibu, California.

Signs of wear must appear in logical places on a supposedly ancient object because genuine antiquities were created for functional purposes. Throughout their history, these objects were handled, used, or stored in ways that naturally caused specific areas to become rubbed or worn over time.1

When an object is forged, the creator often focuses on producing an attractive appearance rather than replicating the functional reality of an ancient piece. If an object exhibits signs of wear in illogical locations—or lacks wear in areas where it would be expected based on its intended use—it serves as a significant indicator that the piece may be a modern fabrication rather than an authentic artifact. Experts examine these physical conditions closely, as inconsistencies in how an object has aged are a primary method for detecting forgery.1