Understanding archaeological data

The object and its context

A digital model records aspects of an object’s visible form. Archaeological interpretation also needs information about where it was found, its relationships to other evidence, how it was recorded, and what happened to it afterward.

A model can be visually detailed while its identification, scale, date, or find context remains unknown. Our catalogue labels missing information instead of filling the gaps with assumptions.

How to read a record

1. Check the identifier and description.
2. Distinguish documented facts from reported information and interpretation.
3. Look for sources, capture methods, measurements, and uncertainty.
4. Read the provenance and rights statements before reusing media.
5. Check the review status and revision date.

Try it with our collection

Open DAA-0001 to compare its visual presentation with the qualifications in its research record. Then inspect an unidentified 3D record: the ability to rotate a model does not resolve its missing metadata.