Documentation links a physical object to a durable record. ICOM’s Object ID standard identifies core categories including object type, material, measurements, markings, distinguishing features, title, subject, date and maker.
Identification fields
A clear record separates what an object is called from what it depicts, who made it from who once owned it, and where it was made from where it is now held.
Photography as documentation
Overall views and distinguishing details help identify an object. File naming, rights information and captions should travel with the image.
Records can change
Reattribution, new provenance evidence and revised terminology can alter a public label. A trustworthy publication gives readers a source link and an update date.
Sources
Links lead to the publisher responsible for the underlying record or guidance. Accessed 30 August 2026.
- Object ID documentation standard — International Council of Museums
- Code of Ethics for Museums — International Council of Museums
- Ownership and collecting history — Getty Research Institute