Documenting Your Collections
Info-Muse Network Documentation Guide

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History of Use (Physical Description)

Definition:

Observations:

1. This field contains details on the original function or use of an object.
   Example

   	Object Category	Tools & Equipment for Materials
   	Object Sub-category	Basket, Broom, Brush Making T&E
   	Object Name	punch
   	History of Use	punch used in basket making

2. N.B.: Some objects may have been altered for uses other than their original intended function. Enter any such changes here. It is important not to confuse this field with the Object Category and Object Sub-category fields. According to the Info-Muse classification system for ethnology, history and historical archaeology museums, the classification and name of an object are determined based on its original use.¹
   Example

   A terracotta pipe from Europe, transformed by Indians into a necklace bead.

   	Object Category	Personal Artifacts
   	Object Sub-category	Personal Gear
   	Object Name	pipe
   	History of Use	terracotta pipe made in Europe, turned into a bead for an Indian necklace

Entry rule:

• The History of Use field is particularly useful when information is entered clearly, concisely and consistently.
  Example

  	Object Name	clawfoot bathtub
  	History of Use	clawfoot bathtub converted into a cattle trough