Worksheet: Reading an Object

• Review your research question before you begin studying your item. Remember that your goal is to gain as much information as you can through careful and thorough examination.
• Write your findings on a separate piece of paper or an index card.
  
• Some answers won’t be obvious at first, so keep at it. You may not be able to answer every question. That’s ok.
  
• If you note something of interest not covered in the questions, or if you come up with your own questions, write them down too. If you have an object, draw a picture of it and note prominent features (i.e. has a handle, has a sharp point, is decorated with flowers, etc.).
  

If you have a picture or map, describe what you see. With a picture, note whether the scene is inside or out, what people are wearing and doing, facial expressions, and whether the picture seems posed or natural. With a map, note any places that you recognize, and any artwork. List the information that the map gives (i.e. streets, idea of local wildlife, geographical features, houses, etc.). Is the map complete (i.e. are there blank spaces, or might the map have been torn?)?

If you have a document, take notes on what you think it might be about, if you can read it. If not, jot down words that you can read.

How might your item have been made?

Note any clues that might help date the item.

If you have an object, imagine that it is yours. How might you use it?

If you have a picture, map or document, who might the intended audience have been? Why do think the item was produced?

What information does this item provide that will help answer your research question?