All over the world, collections of bone and antler relics are maintained because oftheir cultural and historical value in archaeology, anthropology and art history. However, the preservation of this group of cultural relics needs more attention because of the long history of these objects, the changing environment and natural mineralization. This article aims to summarize the status of research on the craft, deterioration, conservation and preventive protection of bone and antler relics. In addition, the problems and demands in these areas of protection are also discussed. In China, the conservation of bone and antler relics from watersaturated environments needs immediate attention. The prevention of weathering of oracle bones is a key topic. Furthermore, the preservation of bone and antler relics dating back to various periods all over the country is a major task.