The Digitalization of Ancient Egyptian Coffins: A Discussion Over Different Techniques for Recording Fine Details

Abstract

<p><strong>Abstract.</strong> This work starts from the request to have a physical high-resolution 3D model of the external, anthropoid coffin of the scribe Butehamon, held at the Museo Egizio, Turin. At the time of writing, a replica of the coffin, based on this survey work, functions as final and focal installation of the temporary exhibition Archeologia Invisibile of the Museo Egizio, Turin, running from March 2019 to January 2020. The replica acts as support for a micro-mapping installation meant to re-project a pattern of images onto the coffin’s surface, including the results of different radiometric and colourimetric analyses performed in the recent past by Museo Egizio and Musei Vaticani. This collaborative work encouraged a thorough discussion on the interaction between scientists and humanists engaged in the study of archaeological finds, on the needs and expectations of both sides, and on the technical problems relating to handling objects of different sizes.</p>

Digital Humanities: A Holistic Approach to Classify Yellow Coffins

“…The number of images for each artifact is variable considering a transversal overlap of the images of about 79-80%. A pre-calibrated L-shaped bar was places next to the head of the coffin and it was used with a twofold aim: to scale the reconstructed 3D model and to have a reference system useful to define a plane on which the orthophotos were projected (Mandelli et al, 2019).…”

Digital Culture, Umwelt and Aletheia an Ontological Introduction

“…While working on the advanced survey of the coffin on Butehamon carried on by 3D Survey Group of Politecnico di Milano, (Mandelli et al, 2019), the 3D model created from sub-millimetric survey and the information obtained through non-invasive analysis, serves as a way of acting of ἀλήθεια (disclosure), being a tool by which investigate actually non-visible elements -such as the fact that the sarcophagus had been reused joining parts of pre-existing coffins -, and at the same time -and at different phases of the work -as an image of the former sarcophagus, as shown in the temporary exhibition Archeologia Invisibile held at Museo Egizio di Torino last year. The advanced sub-millimetric survey allowed the creation of a 1:1 3D printed model for the focal installation of Archeologia Invisibile (Fig.…”

Image-based metric heritage modeling in the near-infrared spectrum

“…Applications of terrestrial multi-view image-based modeling and texturing for large-scale heritage applications vary considerably. This technique has been implemented towards high resolution documentation and virtual restoration of small artefacts [8], damaged pottery [9], rock art [10], wall paintings [11] and decorative friezes [12], comprehensive investigations on pre-historic engravings [13], ancient Egyptian coffins [14] and ancient inscriptions [15], and evaluation of damage [16] and restoration works [17] on painted surfaces.…”