FSN 232 Study Guide - Valerie Steele, Tape Measure
8 Apr 2013
School
Department
Course
Professor
Document Summary
Clothing / object analysis a suggested methodology. When scholars examine objects or artifacts, including dress and accessories, the study is called material culture. There are many academic sources on this topic including a dedicated journal, the. Journal of material culture which you can search. This stage asks for a clear, concise description of the object. Because you have access to the object this is the time to get out tape measure, magnifying glass, sketching materials, etc and to take several clear photographs of it. This stage involves a more open reflection on the interaction between the object and the perceiver. Finally, the process of analysis leads to broader questions which reflect both on the material nature of clothing itself and its status in history and culture. This stage is when the outside research you have conducted starts to inform your reading of the object and to help you formulate relevant questions.
