OBJECT ANALYSIS WORKSHEET

The museum object label will give you some information for these questions; others will require careful observation of the object and thinking about the clues that you get from the objects.

1. PHYSICAL QUALITIES OF THE OBJECT

A. Describe the material from which it is made. (Wood, clay, marble, etc.)

B. Can you tell how the object was made? (Carved, molded, cast, etc.)

C. How would you describe the texture of the surface of the object?

D. What size is it?

E. Is it a complete piece or a fragment of a larger work?

F. What shapes and colors are used in the object?

G. Is anything printed, stamped, or written on it?

2. SUBJECT MATTER

A. Who or what is represented in the piece?

B. Does the decoration tell a story? If so, what is happening?

3. USES OF THE OBJECT

A. What might it have been used for?

B. Who might have used it?

C. Where might it have been used?

D. When might it have been used?

4. WHAT DOES THE OBJECT TELL US

A. What does it tell us about the life of the people and the time in which it was used?

B. What does it tell us about the technology of the time in which it was made and used?

C. Can you name a similar item that we use today?

5. WHAT ELSE WOULD YOU LIKE TO KNOW ABOUT THE OBJECT

A. What questions do you have about it?

B. What resources could you use to answer your questions?