Thing, object, token, totem

The project uses these terms while examining different relations to material. Staff begin with a thing's physical properties, examine an encounter under a description, trace associations, investigate collective recognition. The descriptions can overlap during the same occasion.

As a thing, the camera has weight, a mechanism, condition, manufacturing history. As an object of a visitor's attention, it appears under a situated description such as equipment, inheritance, an unfamiliar device. As a token, this particular camera can refer to a larger world of family relationships or photographic practice. As a totem, it can become a recurring collective reference through people's recognized use and attachment.

Staff attribute these descriptions to people and occasions. They examine material evidence alongside personal accounts. A common manufactured item can develop a singular biography. An expensive possession can remain peripheral to a visitor. The terminology helps ask about those differences while acquired roles records more specific uses and attributions.