:type: bool

        True when the object actually exists (and can be accessed by
        the current user) in Fedora

def exists(self):
        """:type: bool

        True when the object actually exists (and can be accessed by
        the current user) in Fedora
        """

        # If we made the object under the pretext that it doesn't exist in
        # fedora yet, then assume it doesn't exist in fedora yet.
        if self._create:
            return False

        # If we can get a valid object profile, regardless of its contents,
        # then this object exists. If not, then it doesn't.
        try:
            self.getProfile()
            return True
        except RequestFailed:
            return False