Preservative Approach to Study Encased Archaeological Artefacts

International audienceWe propose a workflow based on a combination of computed tomography, 3D images and 3D printing to analyse different archaeological material dating from the Iron Age, a weight axis, a helical piece, and a fibula. This workflow enables a preservative analysis of the artefacts that are unreachable because encased either in stone, corrosion or ashes. Computed tomography images together with 3D printing provide a rich toolbox for archaeologist work allowing to access a tangible representation of hidden artefacts. These technologies are combined in an efficient, affordable and accurate workflow compatible with Preventive archaeology constraints

Internal 3D Printing of Intricate Structures

International audienceAdditive technologies are increasingly used in Cultural Heritage process , for example in order to reproduce, complete, study or exhibit artefacts. 3D copies are based on digitization techniques such as laser scan or photogramme-try. In this case, the 3d copy remains limited to the external surface of objects. Medical images based digitization such as MRI or CT scan are also increasingly used in CH as they provide information on the internal structure of archaeological material. Different previous works illustrated the interest of combining 3D printing and CT scan in order to extract concealed artefacts from larger archaeological material. The method was based on 3D segmentation techniques within volume data obtained by CT scan to isolate nested objects. This approach was useful to perform a digital extraction, but in some case it is also interesting to observe the internal spatial organization of an intricate object in order to understand its production process. We propose a method for the representation of a complex internal structure based on a combination of CT scan and emerging 3D printing techniques mixing colored and transparent parts. This method was successfully applied to visualize the interior of a funeral urn and is currently applied on a set of tools agglomerated in a gangue of corrosion

Touching and interacting with inaccessible cultural heritage

International audienc

De l’imagerie médicale à la réalité virtuelle pour l’archéologie

International audienceThe IRMA project aims to design innovative methodologies for research in the field of historical and archaeological heritage based on a combination of medical imaging technologies and interactive 3D restitution modalities (virtual reality, augmented reality, haptics, additive manufacturing). These tools are based on recent research results from a collaboration between IRISA, Inrap and the company Image ET and are intended for cultural heritage professionals such as museums, curators, restorers and archaeologists

From medical imaging to virtual reality for archaeology

The IRMA project aims to design innovative methodologies for research in the field of historical and archaeological heritage based on a combination of medical imaging technologies and interactive 3D restitution modalities (virtual reality, augmented reality, haptics, additive manufacturing). These tools are based on recent research results from a collaboration between IRISA, Inrap and the company Image ET and are intended for cultural heritage professionals such as museums, curators, restorers and archaeologists.Comment: in French languag

Textile fibre preservation and statistical variation in burials:Clothing evidence in Anglo-Saxon and Roman inhumations

This research challenges the archaeological record in at least three ways. Through the enquiry of thirteen selected case studies, namely four Roman cemeteries and nine Anglo-Saxon cemeteries, it reviews textile remains and grave objects associated with clothing and personal equipment. Firstly, this analysis evaluates the degree of variation between different populations through cultural traits, using for the first time the statistical formula elaborated by Penrose to discern different populations by some biological traits. Secondly, this research considers cultural and non-cultural factors, which may preserve textile in different forms. Some mechanisms of preservation for textile are already investigated by experimental studies. This subject is affected by its intrinsic incomplete condition, textiles occur less than other materials in the archaeological record. However, the archaeological reports often show a lack of interest that makes this subject even more inconclusive. It seems important that a full understanding of preservative mechanisms of textiles can improve the archaeological reconstructions. This aspect is also linked with the ERC InterArChive project that works for an ideal sampling strategy in burial contexts and for detecting organic remains in soil. Finally, the research questions the extent of the influence of taphonomic factors in making archaeological inferences based on the analyses of organic materials like textiles. In order to do so, it has taken research data on over 3862 inhumation graves and 3100 grave objects. These data are archived in a digital database, produced for this purpose. In addition, some SEM studies, carried out by the author, are also presented, in order to discuss the mechanisms of organic textile preservation

Photogrammétrie, lasergrammétrie, tomodensitométrie

L’utilisation de moyens d’investigation non invasive à haute complexité technologique pour l’analyse du mobilier archéologique est actuellement limitée, réservée le plus souvent à des découvertes exceptionnelles. Ici, au contraire, sont exposés les méthodes et les résultats de l’utilisation de quelques-uns de ces moyens pour l’étude du mobilier fréquent, courant, banal que sont les céramiques protohistoriques. Ces recherches récentes ont été menées dans le cadre d’un projet ANR visant à utiliser des technologies d’imagerie avancées (tomodensitométrie…) et de restitutions 3D interactives, physiques et virtuelles (réalité virtuelle, augmentée, mixte ; impressions 3D et interactions tangibles) dans le but d’affiner la lecture d’objets complexes, composites et/ou altérés.The use of non-invasive means of investigation with high technological complexity for the analysis of archaeological artifacts is currently limited, reserved most often for exceptional discoveries. Here, on the contrary, are exposed the methods and the results of the use of some of these means for the study of the widespread, common, trivial artifacts that is protohistoric pottery. This recent research was conducted as part of an Agence Nationale de la Recherche project aiming to use advanced imaging technologies (computed tomography ...) and 3D interactive, physical and virtual renditions (virtual, augmented, mixed reality, 3D printing and tangible interactions) in order to refine the reading of complex, composite and / or altered objects.Actualmente, el uso de medios de investigación no invasiva de alta complejidad tecnológica para el análisis del mobiliario arqueológico se limita y reserva, la mayor parte del tiempo, para los descubrimientos de excepción. En contraposición a lo anterior, en el presente artículo se exponen los métodos y resultados del uso de algunas de estas herramientas durante el estudio de un mobiliario frecuente, corriente y banal como lo son las cerámicas protohistóricas. Estas investigaciones recientes han sido llevadas a cabo dentro del marco de un proyecto de la Agencia Nacional de Investigación (ANR, por su sigla en francés) que busca utilizar tecnologías de imagen avanzadas (tales como la tomodensitometría) y restituciones en 3D interactivas, físicas y virtuales (realidad virtual –aumentada y mixta–, impresiones en 3D e interacciones tangibles) con el objetivo de afinar la lectura de objetos complejos, compuestos y/o alterados

Towards a multidisciplinary practice for human remains: the conservation, collection, and display of human remains and objects made from them.

Towards a multidisciplinary practice for human remains: the conservation, collection, and display of human remains and objects made from them. This research discussion examines the breadth and complexity of a unique strand of museum collections, artefacts that often cross boundaries of classification, being defined as both material culture and human remains. It explores some of the controversial methods in which collections of human remains were amassed as well as the decision-making processes involved in exhibiting them. The care, collection and display of human remains is shown to involve a wide spectrum of disciplines and stakeholders, including minority religious organisations, local communities, indigenous groups, anthropologists, archaeologists and museums. Inspired by my work within the conservation department of Norfolk Archaeology and Museums Service, specifically the conservation treatment and preparation of a ceremonial Tibetan apron constructed from human bone, the role that conservators can play in the treatment of human remains is investigated. My research reveals that in order to fulfil policies and guidelines, which tend to adopt the culturally defined, cover-all stance of ‘respect’ as the method of treatment for all human remains, a multidisciplinary practice is vital. Within this discussion I argue that a multidisciplinary practice allows for an inclusive, progressive and pluralistic approach to the treatment of human remains

The final masquerade: a molecular-based approach to the identification of resinous plant exudates in Roman mortuary contexts in Britain and evaluation of their significance

This study provides chemical confirmation for the use of resinous plant exudates in mortuary contexts in Roman Britain. Analysis of amorphous masses, adhering residues and grave deposits using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry has revealed terpenoid biomarkers in sixteen inhumation and two cremation burials. The natural products characterized include European Pinaceae (conifer) resins, Pistacia spp. (mastic/terebinth) resins from the Mediterranean or the Levant and Boswellia spp. (frankincense) gum-resins from southern Arabia or eastern Africa. In addition, traces of a balsamic resin, probably Liquidambar orientalis, have been identified. A correlation between the use of these exotic exudates and interment in substantial, often multiple, containers with high-quality textiles and grave goods was observed. Theoretical consideration of this imported rite illuminates the multiplicity of roles played by resins/gum-resins in the mortuary sphere. The material properties of these highly scented substances speak to the biological reality of the decomposing body and to the socially constructed identity of the individual. On a practical level, they acted as temporary preservatives and masked the odour of decay. As social signifiers, they denoted the status of the deceased and promoted remembrance through conspicuous consumption and sensory impact. Encoded with ritual meaning, they purified the body and facilitated the final rite of passage to the afterlife. The recovery of these resinous traces provides us with new insights into the treatment of the body in the Roman period and establishes fresh links between the remote province of Britannia and the remainder of the Empire.Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC).Vol. II, which contains supplementary material files, is not available online

Magic and the material culture of healing in early modern England

This dissertation questions how people used objects to preserve health and cure illness in early modern England. Each chapter focuses on a different object or group of objects, to make interventions in the history of contemporary healing, and to demonstrate what we can learn about early modern healing from a study that places things at the centre. I bring together items that vary according to material, size, shape, function and application, to reveal the diverse range of things used for cure and protection in this period. Some were everyday, relatively worthless things, while others were expensive, coveted rarities, and I use both types of object to investigate the complex relationship between value and power. Throughout, this thesis explores how modern research, and trends of collecting and categorisation, have affected our interpretation of the physical evidence of early modern healing, and shows how objects can be resituated within medical contexts. It analyses how and why learned, elite men in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries criticised what they saw as erroneous medical belief and practice, and the crucial role played by objects in these condemnations. In comparison, it examines how, despite religious and societal changes, laypeople continued to use a variety of healing objects, even in the face of theological denunciation and diabolical threat. My research contributes to recent scholarship that advocates object-focused histories, and provides a model of how to examine objects on their own terms, regardless of whether or not textual evidence exists. As a study of magic and the material culture of healing, it contributes to histories of household medicine, recipes and secrets, magic, ritual, superstition, demonology and witchcraft, medical politics, curiosity and wonder, and collecting.Wellcome Trust Medical Humanities Studentshi