WHAT WE ARE DOING

WHY WE ARE DOING IT

Analyzing an artifact, extracting senses and design principles for preservation purposes, then creating a replica

To deepen observation, link design to function, and practice creative problem-solving.

ACTIVITY MATERIALS

Foam core

1st

Review your artifact recording sheet (with your teammate), and extract which senses and design principles, and key properties your object holds.

Recreate a replica with the provided materials.

Research what are the best way to preserve your artifact

Create a slide with all the information, and document your prototype

2nd

3rd

4th

10min

؜10min

45min

15min

1st

Review your artifact recording sheet, and extract which senses and key properties your object holds.

Identify which sensory channels are important and why. Also preservation constraints.

10min

Old bronze incense burner from the UAE.

Sight: intricate geometric patterns, green patina

Smell: incense aroma when in use

Touch: cool, rough metal surface (but fragile, so touch replica)

Sound: slight ringing if tapped (indicates metal thickness)

No Sounds

Most prominent sense: Smell

SENSES

Properties

Bronze (metal)

Needs controlled humidity to prevent corrosion

Requires stable support; no direct handling

Low light, no harsh cleaning; highlight patina in display

Include interpretive label explaining its cultural meaning

Ritual significance

Green patina

Implication for Preservation/Display

Example:

Properties

Research what are the best way to preserve your artifact

2nd

؜10min

Properties

Bronze (metal)

Needs controlled humidity to prevent corrosion

Implication for Preservation/Display

Properties

Solution

Requires stable support; no direct handling

؜Padded/inert supports.

Low light, no harsh cleaning; highlight patina in display

Green patina

Recreate a replica with the provided materials.

3rd

Using cardboard, clay, foil, wire, string, fabric mesh, make a small-scale model.

Focus on the shape and main features.

Optional: paint or add colors

45min

3rd

If you are using cardboard, refer to the resources tab in this activity to learn about cutting and making techniques

15min

Create a slide with all the information, and document your prototype

4th

Slide Example

Prototype

؜Smell of incense is key but we can’t burn real incense in a museum.