Technique
Technique is a very global term that is currently used for many levels of description. Technique refers to the type of action applied to the material. Incision and impression are techniques.

Process
The use of "process" rather than "technique" to define a motif is preferable. A process refers to the combination of a technique and an action.
There are 3 processes for impression (simple, pivoting and rolled impression) and 2 processes for incision (simple and pivoting incisions).

Form (Modality)
The form is defined through a change of action within the process.
Simple impression forms derive from a change in the angle of the tool during impression (perpendicular simple impression and oblique simple impression).
The forms of pivoting impression result from the combination of one or 2 swivel(s) stamped within the motif (nA, A+B, nA+B, nA+nB).

Simple and Complex Forms (modalities)
Once the process is identified: A+B, nA+B, etc., one has to define whether it is simple or complex.
Simple form (modality): arranged in a manner that creates a motif.
Complex form (modality): repeated and arranged in an interrelated manner that creates a motif. Such combinations [technique x form] can be named after the first published description (insert bibliographical references).
In both the descriptions of the form and the tool, additional information may be added, such as the angle of the tool used for the pivoting stamp. These will be called “secondary alternatives”.

Motif Description
A motif may be described using several input keys, which are prioritized. The following “analytical code” will be used: Technique → Process → process form →tool
A motif = n[process form + instrument].