Typical scenarios within this site’s subject: questions to ask, materials to prepare and points that can be examined.
Typical scenarios
If crossing lines appear on a pale carving, a seller may call it elephant ivory. Similar patterns occur in substitutes, while carving and coatings can conceal the underlying structure. The examination must identify surfaces that genuinely expose the material without damaging the object merely to test one assumption.
Typical scenarios
If a dried-plant report uses the first sequence-search result as a species name, high similarity may seem decisive. The alignment could be short and close species absent. Review sequence quality, coverage and reference provenance.
Typical scenarios
A bright feather in an ornament may be attributed to an exotic bird from its pattern. It may be dyed, trimmed or assembled. Examine anatomy and agree removal methods that preserve features.
Typical scenarios
If an inventory names a carved figure's wood from its dark colour and smell, verification may be needed. Coating hides the surface and exposed end grain is small. Plan around preservation and accessible anatomy rather than a trade name.
Typical scenarios
Suppose a new batch of items with animal-derived inserts is accompanied by a report on earlier samples. The product name is unchanged, but the batch contents, insert provenance and processing are incompletely documented.
Typical scenarios
If a decorative panel is described as being made from a particular timber species, the first question is which component that description concerns. Its visible face, edge, core and insert may have different origins. A small sample not linked to a layer cannot automatically describe the whole item or justify one name for unlike materials.
