Answer the following questions:

Who is the original owner of the artifact?
How did they obtain it?
Who made it?
What is the piece used for? (tool, decoration)
Is there a special story associated with the piece?
What makes this item an heirloom to your family?
How has it been passed down to the present owner?
Where is it currently located?

Take a picture from all sides and angles.

Document the size and colors.

Remember that as we search for information about artifacts, family history data may be discovered. For example, places the ancestor lived or visited and why.