Evidence hierarchy
We begin with a live collection record from the institution responsible for an object. We then consult museum publications, documentation standards, conservation literature, academic research and relevant primary sources.
A visual resemblance is never enough to assign a culture, maker, ritual, date or symbolic meaning.
Authorship and review
This pre-publication edition uses the institutional byline Mask & Craft Archive Editorial Desk. It makes no claim that an invented person researched, wrote or reviewed the work.
When named contributors are added, their role, relevant experience and editorial responsibility must be verified and approved before publication.
Language of uncertainty
- Unknown means the record does not securely name a maker.
- Attributed to signals a supported proposal rather than certainty.
- Circa identifies an approximate date.
- Possibly and probably remain in our copy when they appear in the source record.
Cultural care
We retain the cultural names and geographic qualifiers published by the source institution, link to the live record and acknowledge that terminology can change.
Sensitive material may require community guidance or a decision not to reproduce an image. Technical availability alone is not sufficient justification for display.
Commercial independence
Editorial coverage is not sold. Any future sponsorship or affiliate relationship must be labeled at the beginning of the relevant page and may not determine a conclusion, attribution or correction.
Updates
Articles show a publication date and a last-updated date. Material corrections follow the public procedure on the Sources & Corrections page.