Documenting Your Collections
Info-Muse Network Documentation Guide

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Technique (Physical Description)

Definition:

Observations:

1. For better search results in your database, avoid using a large variety of terms; draw up an authority list and add keywords as necessary.¹
2. This field is used in conjunction with the Material field.
   Example

   A knitted cotton sweater

   	Object Name	sweater
   	Material	fibre, cotton
   	Technique	knitted

3. You may also indicate whether the object is artisanal or industrial.
   Example

   	Object Name	dress
   	Material	fibre, silk
   	Technique	industrial; sewn

4. For two-dimensional objects (painting, print, photograph, etc.), use the Medium, Support and, if necessary, Technique fields.
   Example

   	Object Name	print
   	Medium	ink
   	Support	paper
   	Technique	wood engraving

Entry rules:

1. Enter the adjectives describing the techniques from the most predominant to the least predominant. Entries should be separated by a semicolon followed by a space. They should also correspond to the entries in the Material field.
   Example

   	Object Name	sculpture
   	Material	glass; metal
   	Technique	blown; pressed; repoussé; niellé

2. Describe the object with a singular adjective or past participle used as an adjective.
   Example

   	Object Name	case
   	Material	wood, mahogany; lacquer
   	Technique	lacquered
   	and not
   	Technique	lacquer

3. If you are unsure whether your information is correct, include a space and a question mark after the keyword.
   Example

   	Object Name	urn
   	Material	clay
   	Technique	moulded; fired; engraved; glazed ?