For whom was it made?
What was the intended use of the document or object?

Examining the possible audience for and purpose of an object helps you to understand how the artifact was actually used. Because the creator's intentions are often very different from the viewer's responses, thinking about both the audience and purpose often leads to new insights about an artifact.

Very often, the audience for and the purpose of a particular artifact will overlap, since both deal with the creator's intention, culture, and responses to the object within and outside of the society.

Possible audiences and purposes for this mask include:

It was made with hopes that Americans would trade it to eastern tribes.

It was created as a trade item, to entice American mariners.

It was created to inspire Christian missionaries to adopt Haida rituals.