Prehistoric objects were for many years, viewed as curiosities, symbols of an ancient past, collected and desired because of their rarity and longevity. In the 16th century prehistoric objects were making their way into private collections, endowed with the interpretations and beliefs of their owners. Robin Skeates discusses the development of these collections throughout the 16th to 19th century, the various social and political agendas and of the collectors and the different types of collections formed: state, regional, provincial, local museums, university collections, permanent exhibitions and private collections.