ArcheoLogica Data 3/2023

In this paper, we aim at the enhanced theoretical and methodological application of digital archaeological find processing using 3d-data, augmented and virtual reality, as well as synthetic data, particularly paying attention to the careful handling, virtual reconstruction, and scientific communication of the material culture. A carrot amphora served as an example for our case study: the fragments (partially assembled rim, handle, body, and foot) were excavated in 1973 at the vicus of the auxiliary camp of Augustianis (today Traismauer in Lower Austria/AUT) at the so-called Danube Limes in former Noricum. Three scaled 3d-models of the sub-objects were made using 3d-photogrammetry (image-based modeling/IBM), afterward virtually joined together, and missing parts were added digitally to obtain a complete reconstruction of the amphora. For this purpose, a Nikon DSLR, the proprietary IBM software Agisoft Metashape, and the free and open-source software (FOSS) Blender were used. The platform Sketchfab served as a medium for quick viewing, annotation, and sharing of the 3d-models. Furthermore, polymer 3d-prints were made of the amphora‘s rim using polylactic acid (PLA) as material and fused deposition modeling (FDM) as a rapid prototyping method. Our approach subsequently discusses the possibilities and limitations of working with such ‘synthetic material culture’ for daily archaeological work. The availability of multiple 3d-models, rendered images, and 3d-prints provide a real added value for research and science-to-science/public communication. Nevertheless, the total working time of > 8 hours makes the presented method currently not yet comparable to traditional analog find processing in terms of costs. However, the advancing technical development regarding smart devices and mobile apps could lead to the expectation that paper and pencil could soon be replaced by a digital documentation method for processing archaeological artifacts by default.