Object Biography Template (Worksheet)

Use this worksheet to separate: (1) observed facts, (2) supported inference, (3) interpretive hypotheses, and (4) context limitations. The goal is provenance-aware reading.

A) Identification

Object name / label

Catalog reference (if known)

B) Physical facts (V1)

Materials, dimensions, visible features, inscriptions (describe what you can observe)

C) Context (what is known vs unknown)

Find context / provenance notes (if publicly known)

Uncertainties / missing context (V4)

D) Supported inference (V2)

What can be inferred from patterns in scholarship? Use constrained language (“may indicate”, “is consistent with”).

E) Interpretive hypotheses (V3)

Plausible readings of meaning/symbolism. Label as hypotheses and note alternatives.

F) Sources and audit trail

List sources consulted (URLs, authors, institutional pages). Keep citations clear.

Print tip: use your browser “Print” → “Save as PDF”.