Abstract
Archaeological 3D digitization of skeletal elements is an essential aspect of the discipline. Objectives are various: archiving of data (especially before destructive sampling for biomolecular studies for example), study or for pedagogical purposes to allow their manipulation. As techniques are rapidly evolving, the question that arises is the use of appropriate methods to answer the different questions and guarantee sufficient quality of information. The combined use of different 3D technologies for the study of a single Mesolithic bone fragment from Brittany (France) is here an opportunity to compare different 3D digitization methods. This oldest human bone of Brittany, a clavicle constituted of two pieces, was dug up from the mesolithic shell midden of Beg-er-Vil in Quiberon and dated from ca. 8200 to 8000 years BP. They are bound to post-mortem processing, realized on fresh bone in order to remove the integuments, which it is necessary to better qualify. The clavicle was studied through a process that combines advanced 3D image acquisition, 3D processing, and 3D printing with the goal to provide relevant support for the experts involved in the work. The bones were first studied with a metallographic microscopy, scanned with a CT scan, and digitized with photogrammetry in order to get a high quality textured model. The CT scan appeared to be insufficient for a detailed analysis; the study was thus completed with a µ-CT providing a very accurate 3D model of the bone. Several 3D-printed copies of the collarbone were produced in order to support knowledge sharing between the experts involved in the study. The 3D models generated from µCT and photogrammetry were combined to provide an accurate and detailed 3D model. This model was used to study desquamation and the different cut marks, including their angle of attack. These cut marks were also studied with traditional binoculars and digital microscopy. This last technique allowed characterizing their type, revealing a probable meat cutting process with a flint tool. This work of crossed analyses allows us to document a fundamental patrimonial piece, and to ensure its preservation. Copies are also available for the regional museums.
Highlights
The methods for 3D digitisation of tangible cultural heritage are constantly being updated [1] both for scientific purposes to study bone pieces as in palaeopathology [2,3], and for educational purposes for exhibitions, museums [4,5] or conservation before destructive sampling [6]
The choice of a method depends on the size of the object, the need for resolution and the portability of the scanning device [7]. 3D digitization methods applied to paleontology can be grouped into four categories
3D digitization applied to small and micro scaled objects is currently booming in industry [19], emerging in archaeology [20,21] and paleontology [22]
Summary
The methods for 3D digitisation of tangible cultural heritage are constantly being updated [1] both for scientific purposes to study bone pieces as in palaeopathology [2,3], and for educational purposes for exhibitions, museums [4,5] or conservation before destructive sampling (biomolecular studies for example) [6]. Structured-light 3D scanners in particular are increasingly used in this scientific discipline [12,13,14,15] These scanners are equipped with an HD projector with a wide field of view, as well as glass panels for simplified calibration. 3D digitization applied to small and micro scaled objects is currently booming in industry [19], emerging in archaeology [20,21] and paleontology [22] Studies in this field are using several of these methods, for example by combining photogrammetry and lasergrammetry [23,24], lasergrammetry and microscopy [25], or μ-CT and microscopy [26]. Their complementarity makes it possible to analyze the subjects of study at different levels of internal and external scales [27]
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